Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves—regret for the past and fear of the future (Author Unknown)

It is not necessary for anyone to be imprisoned by the pain of their past. So why do some people fail in getting over yesterday and wrestle constantly with what they have done or with what was done to them? How did Jesus Christ overcame bitter betrayal, false accusation and the gruesome agony he experienced on the cross? He refused to turn His focus inward. There were two criminals crucified with Christ. One of the thieves, recognizing Jesus to be the Son of God, cried out to Him (Luke 23:42-43), “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Overcome your hurt by doing what Jesus did—reach up to God for strength and reach out to others with love.

Charles Dickens said, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every person has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all people—have some.” Some find it difficult to forgive. They constantly reflect on some traumatic event, allowing it to occupy the center ring of their thoughts. "If you ponder the past, your life will be shaped by it." (Author Unknown). Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13 (NLT), "I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” Trauma can so affect our perceptions of reality that it becomes nearly impossible for us to grasp God’s dream or purpose for our lives. Often people go about their daily lives like they're driving a car down life’s highway, but instead of looking through the front window, they stay focused on the rear view mirror. The rear view mirror has become so large, due to past trauma, that they don't see the bumps and potholes just ahead.

 We don’t know what tomorrow or the next moment may bring, but we can live in confidence because God holds the future in His hand. And God is love. He will not allow us to experience anything that He will not transform into something good, if we allow Him to guide us through it. Larry James comments, “Forgiveness is a creative act that changes us from prisoners of the past to liberated people at peace with our memories. It is not forgetfulness, but it involves accepting the promise that the future can be more than dwelling on memories of past injury.”

"The past is history; the future is a mystery; this moment is a gift; that is why this moment is called the present; ENJOY IT!" (Allan Johnson)

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