There’s something to being able to clean out and start over. 

I began writing this blog in a “note” on my computer and before I began I cleared out some thoughts I needed to process regarding a tough situation with a friend. I highlighted them and with one click, they were gone and there was a clean, white space for me to begin anew.

We go through our days helplessly trying to erase our mistakes, the misunderstanding, the regret, the wrongdoings, the sin. We desperately want to go back to a time when things were different and seemingly easier. How many times have you heard someone say, whether in your life or even in a movie or TV show, say, “Can we just start over?”.

I always cringe in these moments, because I see the reality of the situation and how on this earth there is no such thing as a true “fresh start”. Even the most gracious and forgiving of us know that the past changes things. It changes the present, and it will inevitably change the future. 

When we run into bumps along the road, we often stand frozen by the impossibility of forward movement. We think that the only way to go on is to erase the past.

As much as we want to get rid of our past and the pain it may have caused, it can actually spur us on to deeper growth. When we learn to accept where we have been and the mistakes we have made and turn to our God of healing, reconciliation, and life, He can begin to transform us to look more like Jesus. 

When we begin to allow our past to become a catalyst for change and growth, our hearts become more tender, more compassionate for those around us. We can also recognize God’s grace abounding through Jesus that draws us closer in spite of and because our sin and we are humbled by this undeserved kindness.

It’s not easy to face your sin and hurt. It’s ugly and uncomfortable. But I am certain that by taking our sins and hurts to the foot of the cross, we will receive so much more than we could ever ask for and imagine. The best part is, we get to leave them there and let Jesus transform them into holiness, righteousness, and new life.

And God holds no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). While trial will be certain for the here and now (John 16:33), there is freedom for us now as we live in this world under the shadow of the cross (Ephesians 3:12). And we can be certain that when we reach the final chapter of eternal life, we will truly and forever be free of all guilt, shame, and regret – living in the glorious light of Jesus.