READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; ROMANS 8:1-2; GALATIANS 5:1

Have you ever felt weighed down by this world? Like you were a slave to the sin and pain of the past? I’ve been down that road too. And all it led to was anxiety and exhaustion, the exact opposite of what God wants for His people.

Every day, I’d wake up fearful, feeling as if I still hadn’t been cleansed from some sin in my life—dragging the past into the future. There was no rest or peace in me, only a vicious cycle of pain and mental torment. Satan had been feeding me the lie that I was a slave to my thoughts and sin. As a result, I felt helpless to live the life God desired for me.

But, through God’s Word and insight from godly Christians, it became easier for me to stop feeling condemned by the past. The truth is, because I know Christ, I am no longer condemned; I am no longer a slave to sin (Romans 6:6). Because of Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, the chains that were once holding me have been released.

I am forgiven in Christ through faith in what He did for me. Now, each day, the Holy Spirit is working in my life through the process of sanctification, helping me to live the life Christ has for me because I know His promises. I’ve learned that a life lived in light of the forgiveness of Jesus results in true peace.

I may not always understand God’s forgiveness or His love, but I’m thankful for His constant, never-failing guidance that ultimately leads to an abundant, joyful life. When we’re forgiven in Christ, God doesn’t want us to be worried about our past sins. In fact, God doesn’t want us to worry about anything, but instead He wants us to present our requests to Him, the God of peace (Romans 16:20 ; Philippians 4:6-7). • Nathan Fisler

• Have you ever been in a constant state of misery? What kinds of thoughts were going through your mind?

• It can be so easy to worry about the past, even if we know Jesus has already forgiven us. Thankfully, He knows we need lots of reminders, and He always wants us to come to Him for help. What are some Bible verses you can use to battle against the devil’s lies? Who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to when you’re struggling?

[Jesus said,] “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10 (CSB)