"That Old Past . . . "

“For her survival Rehab depended on the promise given by the spies whom she recognized as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was not only simple and resolute but also very obedient.” Charles Spurgeon

“Rahab, a prostitute when the spies of Israel found her, expressed great faith in the true God of her city’s enemy. And although once a prostitute, a Gentile, and a foreigner to Israel, she goes on to become the great-great-grandmother of Israel’s King David from whose line the Messiah would come . . . In light of this, never allow YOUR past, which has been covered by the blood of Christ, to keep you from doing great things for Him.” Jim Reimann

It is so easy to get caught up in mental exercises of the past. Usually they are not good mental exercises, but painful reminders of things we can do nothing about now. When I’ve settled into this arena of no good thinking, I’ve conditioned my mind to bring to light quickly the words of Paul: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

This didn’t happen quickly. It took years to fight the urge within me to quickly snuff out negative thoughts. But now I don’t get too far before I remember Paul’s words.

We do learn from that old past, but we don’t need to dwell in it. So whatever is in your past that seems to haunt you, and not let you be, condition your mind to say “Stop!” and take a new road of thought that brings your mind to true and noble thoughts. (Sometimes you may have to shout Stop! several times, but eventually you win out.) Then go out and do something good! Have a daisy kind of day!