If Only…

There are many times in my life when I have focused too much on my past. I have found myself thinking about experiences and wondering how they could’ve been different had I said or done things differently. I refer to this as getting caught up in the “if onlys…” These “if onlys” are common with all of us and take many forms. Some can be:

• “If only I had prayed more for that person.”
• “If only I had been there more for them.”
• “If only I had taken that job.”
• “If only I hadn’t married that person.”
• “If only I hadn’t taken that first drink or drug.”
• “If only I had come to Christ earlier in my life.”
• “If only…”

With an “if only”, we can constantly play out different scenarios for it in our minds and revisit how it could’ve been done differently, and how our lives have been better. These scenarios can drain us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The “if onlys” are endless, and as we get caught up in these thoughts, we can forget about the joy and blessings the Lord has for us now. We lose our sense of self because of these “if only” thoughts and can’t focus on being the best versions of ourselves. What’s worse is that we may miss out on the plans God has in store for us, and the excitement and fulfillment of serving Him will be lost because we are too focused on our past.

God forgives our sins through the sacrificial blood of His son, Jesus Christ. He says in Isaiah,

“Forget the things that happened in the past. Do not keep on thinking about them. I am about to do something new. It is beginning to happen even now. Don’t you see it coming?” (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIRV).

When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive power, courage, and confidence. And through the love of Christ, we can forgive others, and ourselves, of past hurts. Instead of dwelling on your life’s “if onlys”, concentrate on the power of Christ through His Holy Spirit and boldly proclaim that through God, “Now, I can!”

• “Now, I can pursue that fulfilling career.”
• “Now, I can find a godly marriage.”
• “Now, I can speak in front of large groups.”
• “Now, I can love others as He wants me to.”
• “Now, I can beat these addictions.”
• “Now, I can move forward in my life with Jesus.”
• “Now, I can share the Gospel without fear.”
• “Now, I can…”

Focus on your identity as a child of God, place your trust in Jesus Christ, and see the amazing things that He can do for you through His power and love. Now, you can because He is always with you.

Prayer:

Father God, we praise you for the unconditional love you’ve shown us through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus Christ. Forgive us for living in our past and show us a future of hope and fulfillment with you. Reveal your will and plans for our lives and let us move forward in them with great anticipation and excitement. Jesus, it’s in your holy and matchless name we pray this. Amen.