For the righteous man falls seven times and gets up again (Proverbs 24:16)
While serving as US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell discovered that parts of his speeches at the United Nations were written based on misinformation. During the course of his long-lasting and illustrious career, this speech became a stain that tarnished his career. "I'm disappointed," he told an interviewer. "I'm sorry that this happened and wish that those with knowledge of the information would let me know right away, but I can't say anything more about this."
Instead of being confined to the past, Powell said he chose to "focus on the future and not look back."
We have a past that we regret now. It may be an accidental mistake, a moral failure, or a stupid decision. We hope, if all that never happened. However, it keeps ringing in our minds and often makes us fall.
The writer of the book of Proverbs said, "Drops of honey are sweet to the palate of your mouth. Know, this is wisdom for your soul: If you find it, then there is a future [hope in the future], and your hope will not fail" (Proverbs 24:13 ,14).
Although the past is part of our lives, the past does not have to determine our future. With God's wisdom and the forgiveness He offers (Psalm 130:3,4; Acts 13:38,39), we can focus on the future with hope --DCM
The wasted regrets of bygone days
Gone already in the grace of God's forgiveness;
The guilt-filled fear passed,
And in its place, joy blooms. --Ackley
IT IS BETTER TO LOOK AHEAD AND PREPARE THAN LOOK BACK AND GIVE UP
* Take from Daily Reflections