Let The Arm Chair Quarterbacking Begin

It is the day after the Eagles defeated the Patriots in Superbowl LII.

The Patriots are in mourning.
The Eagles are elated, and the managed not to burn their city down.
Everyone else is analyzing every play and action of the game explaining how it all happened.

Reviewing the past isn't a bad thing, living in the past is.  

Reviewing the past is called an after action review (AAR).  It is a structured review process that explains what happened, why it happened, and how it can be done better next time.  Its purpose is simple.  Don't make the same mistake twice. 

When you live in the past, you force yourself to make your present reality a carbon copy of your past. Most often it is associated with anything abusive, bad or damaging from your past.  

Ecclesiastes 7:10  Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

Solomon, who wrote this, was the wisest man in the world.  He makes it very clear that wisdom doesn't ask this kind of question.  When we live in the past, we deprive ourselves the joy that can come from our present and the ability to create a beautiful and powerful future.  It's no surprise then that Satan desires to dredge up your past every time he gets a chance.  

The power of forgiveness empowers you to release your past.  Whether you forgive yourself or someone else, forgiveness is how you move on.  

Regret is a powerful motivator to do everything wrong.  Our regrets are just that.  Regrets.  We cannot change them, but we can learn from them.  

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, don't let me live in the past, help me to live this day just for you.  AMEN