Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT

If we’re not careful, the enemy can use our past to destroy our present.

Today, I went through some old things I had in storage from my past. It was difficult and emotional—but also deeply beneficial. Anyone who has experienced trauma or grief understands how hard it can be to go through old photos and memories. (And if you’ve never had to do that, I truly pray you never have to.)

At times, the pain became overwhelming, and I had to stop and just cry. But in those tears, God reminded me of what Isaiah said.

We have a choice. We can choose to dwell on the past—the injustice, the pain, the suffering—or we can choose to focus on the new thing God is doing. Healing doesn’t erase the past, and those emotions must still be faced to find wholeness. But we don’t have to let them control our minds or define our future.

Where is your mind dwelling?

Enjoy your conversations with Jesus.