So many people can’t let go of their sinful past, despite repenting. They feel remorse and guilt, as if their repentence didn’t take. Many people also hold other’s sin against them. There’s no mercy in both scenarios.

It’s torment to be stuck in the past. It’s not a picture of God’s heart, in fact God pours out His mercy as we turn from our shameful ways and look to God for cleansing and freedom.

 Isaaih 1:“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

Dwelling on your past  mistakes is a waste of time — it hinders you from walking in fullness.

But How do we stop the voice in our head from yelling “Shame on you!”?
Let’s look at the Word, to establish our true identity.

1 John 1:9
⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

That scripture alone, when we believe it, is our ticket to freedom. God so graciously forgives us as we turn to him. His word repeats in multiple places about how God has adopted us as His children:

Ephesians 2:5-6
⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

 

Romans 8:16
¹⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

If a Holy God has adopted you and His word says that you are forgiven when you repent, then your records have been wiped clean.

Hebrews 8:12 (reference Jeremiah 31: 33-34)

¹² For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
and I will remember their sins no more.”

 

The word is the foundation to know the truth of who God is. The Spirit is our source for healing and comfort. When we have tormenting thoughts, we are comforted from the Word, and we are healed by the Holy Spirit. Allow God to heal your mind and declare you white as snow. God wants to meet you in your turmoil and torment. Jesus died so we could be free. Your freedom was purchased at Calvary.