Philippians 3: 13-14 – No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

The past can have such a profoundly powerful grip on our lives. When we look back at the trauma we’ve endured, the hurts we’ve suffered, the giant mistakes we’ve made…it’s easy for those things to weigh us down from day to day like an iron ball chained to our ankles.

For some, the idea of getting over things that happened in the past seems almost impossible, especially if what happened caused PTSD, dysfunction, depression, or some other mental issue.

Our lives are shaped by our experiences, and once an event occurs, it’s irreversible.

There are no “take-backs” in the journey of life, and certain things leave lasting imprints on the mind, body, spirit, and soul.

But the hard truth we must acknowledge is this: We weren’t promised a life of ease here on earth.

In this world, we are going to experience heartbreak and grief. Terrible things will happen to and around us. We are going to have regrets. We are going to have challenges.

We can’t change anything that has happened or anything that we’ve said or done, but we can press on.

To press means there’s opposition. It means to move against a force. And in pressing against the force of the past, we build strength.

In pressing towards Jesus, we gain understanding. We gain wisdom. We learn acceptance and forgiveness. And we allow God to transform our pasts into beautiful futures…

So if you’ve been hurt by someone close to you, press on.

If you’ve lost someone you loved, press on.

If your marriage or relationship has failed, press on.

If you battle the aftermath of trauma, press on.

If guilt is weighing you down, press on.

If anything in the past is troubling you, PRESS ON…

Focus on what lies ahead. Focus on hope and faith. Focus on the beauty of the present; practice appreciating each moment of life for the gift that it is.

But most of all, focus on the eternal promise of God to heal every hurt and to forgive every sin.

This life is a vapor. It has its ups and downs. But God’s promise endures forever.

Sincerely,

Alexia