My teenage son, who is quite the old soul, was recently watching reruns of The Twilight Zone. One episode particularly caught my attention. It was about a man who lived his life surrounded by disappointments; he was on the verge of being evicted, his car barely ran, and he had no interest in his job. Nevertheless, he seemed very optimistic about his failures, until the day everything finally came crumbling down around him. In Twilight Zone fashion, he meets a sort of guardian who shows him a new life where he has paid his rent in advance, he has a brand-new car, and has received a raise at work. Everything is new and he is successful! However, he doesn't like this new life and begs to go back to the old where he was happy with his broken-down car.

As Christians we are given an opportunity at a new life. The Bible says that when we come to Christ the old things in our lives will pass away and all things will become new. (2 Cor. 5:17) This isn't referring to physical things, but spiritual things. Where there once abided depression, anger, resentment, and bitterness can now be replaced with hope, joy, forgiveness, and contentment. With a positive outlook on life, everything we encounter feels new. We become optimistic when we know Him whom holds our future. But even knowing the goodness of the Lord isn't enough for some and they beg to turn back to their old life. They miss out on the blessings God has for them because they are unwilling to let go of their past failures.

Jesus died so that we might have life in abundance. (John 10:10) His will is for us to live our lives to the fullest. He is not willing that any man or woman should perish (2 Peter 3:9) and when we choose to live in our past, we miss out on the life we could be enjoying in Christ. Accept the new life Christ has for you today and live in the abundance of His blessings!

Suggested Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for dying on that cruel cross so that I might have forgiveness from my sins. Thank you for giving me the privilege of enjoying an abundant life in you. You have wiped my slate clean and made all things new. I ask that you come into my life and give me the strength to leave the old behind. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17.