The Everlasting Father {Part 2: The Ghost of Christmas Past}

The Ghost of Christmas past takes Scrooge on a walk down memory lane. Scrooge weeps of nostalgia for his happy childhood, sorrow for his Father's death, and regret for his sinful mistakes. Ghosts of yesterday have the power to take the joy out of today. 

"I told you these were shadows of the things that have been," said the Ghost. "That they are what they are, do not blame me!" - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Story

WHEN THE PAST HAUNTS YOU

Because the past is a beautiful part of God's story, it is important. However, the past is not everything. The past teaches us valuable lessons, but it does not define us. We cannot change the past or our memories; we can change how we respond to them. We can either learn from our mistakes and give thanks for the happy times, or we can constantly relive the past, letting it dictate our present emotions. 

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14  

Praise the Lord for, to Him, the past holds no regrets or missed opportunities. Unfortunately, sin distorts our view of the past. There are many ways past ghost can haunt us. We can be discouraged by past mistakes or envious of past successes. Either way, we idolize the past.

When we let yesterday's sins or suffering fill us with regrets today, we must make sure we are believing the truth, not our emotions. The truth is this: God has forgiven us. May we find joy in repentance, knowing God graciously and willingly forgives us. No matter how we may feel, we can approach the throne of grace with all confidence in God's forgiveness. Stop allowing already forgiven sins tear down your faith. Instead, look for ways God can use your past trials to minister to those in your life today. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9   

On the other hand, we may envy the past. Longing for "better times" is a sign of discontentment and ungratefulness. It says to God, "I don't like what you have given me in this season, God." When we let the past fill us with covetousness, God encourages us to count the blessings He has given us in this chapter of life. While the past may seem better than the present, reliving it will not satisfy our desire for happiness.

GRATITUDE DEFEATS PAST GHOSTS

Gratitude to God for His forgiveness and blessings conquers sinful thoughts about our past. Only when we find contentment in God, trusting that He makes every season beautiful in its time, will we find joy in the moment. Even in the hard, dry times, He quenches our thirst with streams of grace. God is our steadfast hope for today! He is always doing a new thing in our lives as He works all things for His glory. 

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

The Girl ☎︎ Next Door