“Brothers, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13).

Yesterday I shared with you the ridiculous picture of a runner in a race. He’s straining with all his might to get to the finish line. But foolishly, that runner is carrying an umbrella, picnic basket, change of clothes, a skateboard, golf bag, and a carry-out lunch from McDonalds.

Have you ever witnessed a runner in such a situation? Of course you have not. But there are many believers who have been forgiven for sins confessed who still live under the self-imposed shame and guilt of those sins that God has long ago forgiven.

Elmer was such a person. In his younger years he sinned greatly. God had convicted him of his sin, Elmer confessed those sins and turned from them. Yet he had never gotten over the shame and guilt of those sins. He kept on confessing and telling the Lord of his sorrow. He often called himself a failure. Instead of living in the glorious joy of forgiveness, he lived a miserable, pitiful, defeated life.

He lived that way until he made an appointment with Pastor Kenward. More about this tomorrow! But for now, are you living under such a cloud of misery, defeat, and guilt? You need to join Elmer and forget those things which are behind.

For today: What a wonderful blessing it is to know that I’m forgiven! Those things that are behind, I need to forget.