As I drove down the road running errands, my thoughts suddenly turned against me. Memories and lies from my past taunted me like a horror movie on repeat, with me as the unwilling star. I had already confessed my sins. I believed God forgave me, just as 1 John 1:9 promises. So why did my past still feel like it had power over me?
Maybe you’ve felt the same. The enemy whispers lies, trying to keep us chained to shame so we won’t walk in the freedom Christ has already secured. Living like that feels like prison. You know you’re not whole. Depression, anxiety, and comparison creep in, and joy feels far out of reach. You may even become an expert at disguising the ache inside, so no one knows how broken you really feel.
But there is hope, sweet friend. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV) Through Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and given a brand-new identity. You are no longer who you once were. God has declared you new.
Still, the battle often begins in our minds. When old lies surface, we are called to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ, just as 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us. That means replacing lies with truth, not just knowing what Scripture says, but believing it enough to live by it.
God says you are redeemed from your sins. Through the cross, Christ took the punishment you and I deserved and set us free from sin’s curse, as Galatians 3:13–14 explains. He also says you are chosen. You were created intentionally, for Him and His glory, as Colossians 1:15–16 affirms. He designed you with purpose, to proclaim His goodness so others may find hope too, as 1 Peter 2:9 declares. And you are deeply loved. John 3:16 and Galatians 2:20 remind us that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. As unthinkable as that is, God’s love goes even further. Jesus, perfect and sinless, took the penalty you and I rightfully owed. That is the mystery and wonder of the gospel.
You are also justified. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Because of our sin, we deserve death and separation from God, yet through faith in Christ, we are declared righteous. Romans 3:21–26 and Romans 5:1 assure us that Jesus’ sacrifice brings peace with God. Romans 5:9 promises that we are saved from wrath, and Romans 8:1 boldly declares that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Because of His grace, we no longer carry the penalty for sin but instead live with the promise of eternal life.
When you remember these truths, the enemy loses his grip. He cannot define you. Your past cannot imprison you. God has already declared who you are in Him, and His Word has the final say.
Stop looking over your shoulder at who you were, but instead look forward, stay in the present, and embrace the person God has created you to be. Lift your eyes to Jesus, stay present with Him today, and embrace the woman God has created you to be.