Letting Go of Yesterday's Shadows
Yesterday, on my familiar commute, something profound shifted within me. A deeper unease, a questioning of my very foundation as a man, a husband, a father, a leader, compounded the usual anxieties about the day ahead. The weight was palpable, and there was silent pressure in my chest.
But then, the sun broke through. That golden light, often a simple marker of a new day, became a conduit. Tears streamed down my face, a release I hadn't anticipated, yet in their wake came an unexpected tranquility. It was in that moment of raw vulnerability that the Lord met me. It wasn't a booming voice, but a gentle presence that quieted the internal storm.
My life flashed before my eyes—a collection of moments, some painted in vibrant hues of joy and right choices, others shrouded in the muted tones of regret and mistakes. And in the midst of this stark reflection, the Holy Spirit whispered a truth that cut through the noise: it’s not about who I was but who I am becoming in Christ.
This message resonated deeply, especially considering the times we feel judged, not for who we strive to be, but for who we once were. It's easy to feel disheartened when others hold onto past mistakes, unable or unwilling to see the growth that is taking place within. It can feel like carrying a backpack full of yesterday's burdens, making today's journey much heavier.
Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us: "Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it yet. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus."
This isn't about ignoring our history but not being defined by it. It's about the relentless pursuit of becoming more like Christ, a journey marked by grace, forgiveness, and the constant opportunity for new beginnings. Think of a plant reaching for the sunlight, always growing, always changing, regardless of the storms it has weathered. That's the essence of our walk with Christ.
What past burdens are you carrying that might obscure the beautiful person you are becoming right now? How often do you look in the rearview mirror instead of focusing on the road ahead?
I'd love to hear from you. What is one step, however small, you are taking today towards becoming more like Christ? Share in the comments below. Let's encourage each other to release the grip of yesterday and embrace the promise of who we are in Him, right now.
If this resonates with you, please share this post. You never know who needs this gentle reminder today. Let's walk this growth journey together, leaving yesterday's shadows behind.
What resonated most with you in this reflection? What does "becoming" in Christ mean to you personally?
