If I knew then…

In his great mercy [God] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. — 1 Peter 1:3

On the way to work, I listened to the song “Dear Younger Me,” which beautifully asks: If you could go back, knowing what you know now, what would you tell your younger self? As I listened, I thought about the bits of wisdom I might give my younger, less-wise self. Most of us have thought about how we might do things differently — if only we could do it all over again.

But the song illustrates that even though our past may fill us with regrets, all our experiences have shaped who we are. We can’t go back or change the consequences of our choices or our sin. But praise God we don’t have to carry the heavy burdens and mistakes of the past around with us. Because of what Jesus has done! “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”! (1 Peter 1:3).

If we turn to Him in faith and sorrow for our sins, He will forgive us. On that day we’re made brand new and begin the process of being spiritually transformed (2 Cor. 5:17). It doesn’t matter what we’ve done (or haven’t done), we are forgiven because of what He’s done. We can move forward, making the most of today and anticipating a future with Him. In Christ, we’re free! — Alyson Kieda

Dear Lord, I’m so thankful that through You we can be free of the burdens of the past — the mistakes, the pain, the sins — that hang so heavy. We don’t need to carry around regret or shame. We can leave them with You.

READ: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Leave your heavy burdens with God.

Bible in a Year: Isaiah 26-27 and Philippians 2