I feel bad recalling what I did years ago.  No, not rob a bank or murder someone!  When I was about 12 years old, some of us would shout out scary sounds at night when an 8 year-old neighbor crosses the street, spooking him into running back home, crying his eyes out.  Why does this bother me?  I know that he’s utterly frightened of ghosts and the dark, suffering fears galore, and yet can’t wait to hear his shrieks and screams.  Pathetic me.

Years later I have the chance to ask his forgiveness and he does just that.  He is a kind and gracious man, indeed.  Over and done with.  But is it?  Not really as I easily replay it in my mind.  That’s one episode.  I could give you an encyclopedia of much more.  Just me?

But God tells me to move on… as He has.  Be forgiven and enjoy its freedom to be better… from now on.  Don’t let Satan drag you back into his muck and mire.  His misery loves company.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel witnesses God’s people repenting of their sins.  He tells them– ‘Do not be afraid…you have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart…consider what great things He has done for you’ (1 Samuel 12:20-24).

Get right with God.  Move forward with Him.  Stop staring in sin’s rearview mirror.  Looking over your shoulder.  Stuck in the past.  Jesus forgives… and forgets.

Even Samuel gets bogged down–“The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel?  Fill your horn with oil and be on your way;  I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem.  I have chosen one of his sons to be king'” (1 Samuel 16:1).  Come on, Samuel, giddy up and go!

Hold onto God’s promises.  I’m trying to.  After all, He has many blessings ahead.  Don’t miss any by a too long looking back.  But if you do, grab His hand.  He’ll help you get up, standing on your feet, while you turn your eyes upon Jesus.  That’s more like it.  Let’s go!

Thank you, Jesus, for taking my sins away.  Help me to live forgiven.  Amen.