“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! …I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV
Have you ever needed to clear the history on your computer? Sometimes you want to remove old files and apps that clutter up your device (and your life) or erase things you wish you had never seen.
A new, clean start —no matter how long you’ve walked with the Lord, He can make things new. God wants to pour His Spirit into us, but not into brittle, unchangeable skins. We need to flex and flow and allow the Spirit to move us.
For that to happen, here are three things you need to clear out:
Move on from old history. Most of us have past experiences that are hard to put behind us. Divorce, bankruptcy, health issues, abuse, your rebellion, bad choices, destructive behavior—don’t let the past define you.
If you need to forgive or be forgiven, take care of that. If you need a godly counselor to help, seek help—then claim the promise of Jesus: “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5) and move on.
Move on from old habits. Leave behind addictions of all kinds. Whatever it might be, you can fast and pray and break unhealthy patterns. Fasting pushes the reset button in your life and is healthy for the body, mind, and soul.
Move on from old hurts. There are so many ways to hurt in this world. The enemy wants you to circle back over and over and buzz around those old wounds. Resist him! You can’t change the past. Forgive, and as Jesus said, “Settle matters quickly” (Matthew 5:25, NIV).
If you need to, seek counseling, and ask for prayer to help you let go of the past.
Then pray, meditate, and embrace God’s promise: “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NRSV).
Everything has become new—including the wineskins of your heart, ready to be filled with a fresh, healing anointing of the Holy Spirit.
