Don’t you agree that these two words are some of the most wonderful in the Bible? Which ones, you ask? You read the title, didn’t you?–‘But now…’ That’s it? You got it! For they mark a turning point from what was to what is. Here’s what I’ve been thinking this week.

I’m surprised, not pleasantly so, how often sins I’ve committed in the past keep flitting through my mind uninvited and unwelcome. They plague me, reminding me of how awful I’ve been in some situations. With someone I care about or with one I really don’t. Care about that is.

Sins committed. Sins confessed. Sins forgiven. Sins still rolling around, shooting poison darts and arrows at my mind and heart.

But I have to remind myself that I am making progress. I’m not quite like I used to be. Don’t get me wrong–I’m not bragging. Not at all. Rather, I’m aware that I’m maturing in my faith in Jesus. Moving ahead some. Two steps forward, one back. But having been in spiritual kindergarten far too long, with that kid’s dunce cap no longer fitting. So, now I’m in second grade with my Lord. Do I hear a drum roll? Some well-deserved applause? Didn’t think so!

What helps me to grow spiritually? It’s not that radical. Not endless rules to follow. Neither is it child’s play. Rather, to simply believe what the Lord says. I know that sounds easy-peasy. But in reality it’s far from it. Basically, keep repeating His words of reassurance and hope, refusing to allow doubts to cut us off from the goodness and trustworthiness of our Lord. Ask God to help you crowd out that negative bullhorn of regret and shame, for I’m forgiven by my Lord Jesus. Just wishful thinking? Hardly. For He means it. After all, itt cost Him His life on the cross. Isn’t it time to take the Almighty at His word? You think?

So, stop looking back so often. You shouldn’t drive only gazing at the rearview mirror. Rather, grasp where you are. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you’re not the same old, same old, but someone who really wants to follow the Leader. Far from perfect, but solidly on His team and in the game. All in, as best we can. Jesus understands.

Here are some verses from the Bible that will help you look forward, keeping you on the right path, following Jesus.

Romans 3: 21–‘But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the Law…’ But now!

Romans 6: 21-22–‘But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.’ But now!

Romans 7: 5-6–‘For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.’ But now!

Ephesians 5: 8–‘…for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…’ But now!

See what I mean? Focus on these verses, and you’ll have 20/20 vision in the Lord. Forward-looking. Not like then, for he past is just that. Leave it there. God’s taken good care of it. As only He can.

But now…Yes, now!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me new life with no backsies ever. Amen.