How to Move On from Your Past: Embracing the Freedom Jesus Offers

Alone. Sometimes we feel that way. Our past haunts us. We are weighed down by things that we have done, or even more, by things done to us. They stir up so many regrets, fears, shame, guilt, and condemnation. The list goes on and on. Listen, friend, you’re not alone. This happens to all of us.  As painful as it can be, Jesus can set you free!

The good news is you’re not stuck. Here is something you need to hear:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1).

If you are in Christ, you are not condemned. Let that settle deep within your heart. God is not holding your past against you, and you don’t need to either.

In Christ, your sin has already been judged.
In Christ, the penalty has already been paid.
In Christ, you have been washed clean. Your sins have been blotted out like a thick cloud.

In Christ is a great place to be!

Even so, the tension we often feel is real. We know what Jesus has done for us but we still remember our past. It still comes to mind. We still carry the weight of it. Even though we know we’re forgiven, we don’t always know what to do with the memories. Your past may follow you like a shadow. It may mock you. It may try to shame you. And even though God isn’t condemning you, it can feel like your past is.

So, what do you do with those thoughts and feelings?

Don’t deny them. We all have a past. It’s important to choose not to live in it. Don’t let it define who you are in Christ. This doesn’t mean erasing it from your memory, but rather choosing not to dwell on it anymore. Looking backward will only slow you down. While driving your car, you’ve probably noticed that when you overly glance in the rearview mirror, you end up veering off course. Literally no one drives staring at the rearview mirror. It’s the same in your spiritual life. Constantly replaying your mistakes will only bring unnecessary guilt and distraction. When memories resurface, and they will, you need to decide not to stay there.

If you’ve been born again, then the cross of Jesus has forever settled the issue of your past. You are no longer stuck. You don’t have to relive it. You don’t have to carry it into your present or your future. You are free, and you are free to move forward.

I’ve found that the only way I can stop dwelling on the past is to focus on what God wants to do next. Believe that your future is just a decision away. It is just one choice to trust. One step of obedience. One quiet moment of surrender. Let go of what’s behind you. God is calling you to move forward. He’s not asking you to carry guilt. He’s asking you to follow Him. You are free in Christ. So, live like it. Keep your eyes on Jesus. The past has no hold on a heart that’s been made new.

We also must forgive our past, which includes forgiving ourselves. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful and freeing choices a believer can make. It’s not always easy, especially when the pain runs deep. But forgiveness is the key to living a spiritually healthy and vibrant life in Christ. Without it, we stay stuck, holding on to hurt and replaying past wrongs in our minds. Over time, we begin to live as if we’re condemned, even though the Bible clearly tells us that we are not.

The enemy of our souls wants to keep you tied to the past. He’ll use it to discourage you, distract you, or keep you from moving forward in faith. Don’t let him. The past is no longer a problem. What holds you back now is how tightly you’re holding on to it. Let it drop. Forget it. Forsake it.

So today, choose to walk in the freedom that letting go of your past brings. Bring your thoughts back to what is true. Remind yourself what God has said. You’re forgiven. You’re clean. You’re loved. You’re free.

Let God’s truth shape how you live today. Let it lift the weight that’s been hanging over you. Your past may still whisper, but it no longer has authority over you. Jesus does. And in Him, there is no condemnation. Only grace. Only mercy. Only new life.

There is joy in letting go of your past in the power of Jesus!