There’s a Cherokee proverb that simply says:

“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

I’ve always loved the clarity of that. And more and more, I’m finding how deeply it resonates with Scripture and with the real-life struggles I see daily—both in others and in myself.

The apostle Paul wrote this in his letter to the Philippians:

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on,
that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;
but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 3:12–14

One thing I’ve seen over and over again through counseling is this:

Too many Christians are still bound by their past—and because of that, they can’t fully live in the present.

Some are stuck because of what was done to them.
Others are stuck in shame for what they’ve done.
And still others are paralyzed by fear, resentment, or regret.

But here’s the truth: We all have a past.
What matters is what we choose to do with it.

What It Means to Let Go of the Past

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting, minimizing, or pretending the past never happened.
It means learning to live free from its grip.
Here’s what that process can look like:

1. Accepting That What’s Done Is Done

The past can’t be changed. It is what it is.
Even if we had a “do-over,” we’d still be the person we were then—with the same limited knowledge, the same wounds, the same fears.

Letting go starts with accepting what was so that we can begin to live in what is.

2. Forgiving Yourself

This is hard for so many of us.
We replay scenes, wish we’d said something different, done something better.
But ruminating keeps us stuck.

If God has forgiven you, who are you to hold a grudge against yourself?

3. Redirecting Your Thoughts

When old memories or regrets creep in, gently bring your thoughts back to truth.

“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble… whatever is lovely… think on these things.”
— Philippians 4:8

Healing happens in the small, daily moments when we choose what to dwell on.

4. Trusting the Nature of Time

You will heal.
That deep wound?
It won’t always feel this raw. With time and surrender, it becomes a scar—a reminder of healing, not hurt.

Letting go isn’t instant. But it is possible.

5. Balancing Your Voice

Share your pain. Process your story.
But don’t let your past become your identity.
Let it be a part of your story—not the whole of it. Let others see who you are becoming.

Paul’s Perspective: Looking Ahead

I love that Paul prefaces this passage by admitting he hasn’t arrived.

“Not that I have already attained…”

He knew the power of his past.
He had persecuted believers. He had made grave mistakes.

And yet, he says:

“But one thing I do…”

This wasn’t just an occasional mindset. It was something he had to do consistently.

He intentionally forgot what was behind—not erased it, but refused to let it define him—and he reached forward. Every day. Every step.

Why?
Because he was pressing toward something greater.
The upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

God had a purpose for Paul’s life—and He has one for yours, too.

But you can’t walk into that calling if you’re still clinging to what’s behind you.

Letting Go Is a Process

Friend, if you’re struggling to release the grip of yesterday, know this:
You’re not alone.

Letting go takes time.
It takes grace.
It takes truth.
It takes a daily choice to press forward.

But don’t let your past keep using up your present.
Don’t just exist—really live.

God has a plan.
He has a purpose.
And He is not done with your story.

So press on.
Take the next step.
Keep your eyes on the prize.

A gentle encouragement for today:

Letting go is not a one-time decision. It’s a daily walk of freedom.
Begin again today. And then again tomorrow.