Holding On to Yesterday

No Use Holding On to Yesterday

Good morning Ekklesia

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, NRSV)

As I celebrate turning 56 today, I am reminded of how faithful God has been. Yesterday holds its lessons, its joys, and yes, its pain—but there is no use holding on to it. God is a God of new beginnings, and His mercies are fresh every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT). Whatever yesterday brought—failures, regrets, or sorrow—it does not define today. Today is a gift, an opportunity to thank God for life, family, friends, and His unchanging love.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) says, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Paul reminds us that while we may learn from the past, we are not to dwell in it. “Forgetting” does not mean erasing the past but surrendering its grip on our present. Yesterday’s failures do not disqualify us from God’s purposes, for He makes all things new (Revelation 21:5, NRSV).

1. Release Regret: God is calling you to let go of the “if onlys” and “what ifs.” Lay them at the foot of the cross, where Christ bore not only your sins but also your sorrow. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NRSV) proclaims, “Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Trust God to bring beauty out of brokenness.

2. Embrace Gratitude: Thank God for the simple yet profound blessings of life, family, and friends. A grateful heart lifts us out of despair and aligns us with God’s perspective (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT).

3. Step Into Purpose: Your age is not a limitation but a testimony of God’s sustaining grace. As you press forward, ask God to reveal how you can impact others for His glory in this season of life. Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV) assures us, “For surely I know the plans I have for you... to give you a future with hope.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons of yesterday. Today, I surrender my regrets, failures, and sorrows into Your hands. Thank You for life, for the breath in my lungs, for my family, friends, and for Your unfailing love. Help me to walk in the freedom of forgiveness and the hope of new beginnings. Teach me to trust You with my future and to embrace the gift of today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are you ready to let go of your past and step into the abundant life Jesus offers? At Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries, we are a family of believers who walk together in faith, purpose, and grace. Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NLT). Will you respond to His call? Visit ekklesiachristianlife.org/family and let us journey together in faith.

God has greater things ahead for you. Yesterday is behind you, but the best is yet to come! Rejoice in this day and walk boldly into the future He has prepared.

LoveUmorethanUknow Pastor Stephän Kirby

If you feel led to give a monetary token of love in honor of my birthday, I humbly ask that you consider donating to Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries. Your gift will support our mission as we work toward acquiring a new facility to expand God’s Kingdom and serve our community.

Please visit ekklesiachristianlife.org/giving and select "Corporate Giving" to make your contribution. Every seed sown helps us move closer to this vision, and we are grateful for your generosity and partnership in ministry.

Thank you for celebrating with me and for supporting the work of the Lord through Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries! May God richly bless you for your kindness.