for a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. Proverbs 24:16 WEB.

Once again, I was the one who promised he would never do it again, then went and did it again. I had slowly drifted away one more time. I have found that it's easy to make promises to the Lord but often difficult to keep them.

While lying on the floor in tears and asking for forgiveness, I heard a faint whisper: "Get up, and let's get back to it, for I have plans for you." God wasn't interested in the past or my mistakes but in my future.

Everyone stumbles. Everyone falls short in this life. Yet, when you do, repent and get back up. God is interested in your future, not your past. He understands how fleeting our lives are. There is nothing behind you that can be changed, but today is the first day of the rest of your life, and it can be great.

You don't have to live like the rest of your family. Or be limited by what they say about you. You can break the cycle and make a fresh start, even if you fall seven times a day (Luke 17:4). All you have to do is repent (turn away from it) and remember to forgive others of their wrongs (Matthew 6:15).

The enemy will always remind you of your past mistakes to discourage you. But once you have asked for forgiveness, the Lord removes your sin and remembers it no more. We are instructed to put on the "helmet of salvation" (Ephesians 6:17) to guard our minds against attacks like this. So when the past comes to mind, remember that you will be forgiven when you ask for it (1 John 1:9). He is the God of seventh chances.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please restore me and draw my heart to you. Please help me make a fresh start today. Forgive me of my past, and deliver me from the things that hold me back. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is "Feel Good Friday" at the FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) group! On this day, we uplift each other with posts of encouragement and joy! All are welcome to join and participate! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.