Seven Bible verses to help you move forward this year

The devil whispers lies into our ears -but we don't have to accept them in our hearts.

The devil enjoys tormenting God's followers. After falling from grace, the only joy he can find is in reminding us, who God acknowledges and loves, of past sins, guilt and more. So what does the Bible have to say about dealing with the chains of the past?

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - We all have memories of embarrassing, painful, regretful things we have said, done or have had happen to us. It is easy to believe the lies of the devil when he reminds us of such times, but God told us to turn toward Him to find peace.

Initially it can be difficult to remember God offers peace. Some pain runs too deep to think properly - which is exactly what the enemy wants.

We have to remember that God offers everything that is good and perfect. An excellent way to keep from letting the devil trick you into feeling like a failure or falling into depression, just ask yourself if the source of your situation is good and perfect. If it isn't, just remember that it does not come from God and pray for guidance.

When you need to delve into the Scriptures for more help, keep the following verses in mind:

1 John 1:9

if we acknowledge our sins, he is trustworthy and upright, so that he will forgive our sins and will cleanse us from all evil.

The next time you feel guilty about something in the past, remember Christ died for our sins and his death cleansed us all from evil. 

Isaiah 43:1

And now, thus says the Lord, he who created you, Jacob, who formed you, Israel: Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine.

As a believer in Christ, we all know that God loves us. We all are aware of the price Jesus paid for our sins, but when the devil lies to us it is easy to forget God's goodness.

He knows who you are and what you are going through. You were purposely created. He called to you and when you responded you became His. Accept this truth and recall it every time the devil tries to deceive you into believing you can't move forward and can never be free.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.

The devil has only ill-intentions for us. He speaks in half-truths to trick us into the death of everything good and perfect God has gifted us. Always remember that God will always protect you from the lies of the enemy and will encourage you to live to your potential and achieve your dreams.

Philippians 3:13-14

Brothers, I do not reckon myself as having taken hold of it; I can only say that forgetting all that lies behind me, and straining forward to what lies in front, I am racing towards the finishing-point to win the prize of God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

When we turn to Jesus, all else falls away. Trust in Him and gather strength through your faith.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Yes, I know what plans I have in mind for you, the Lord declares, plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. When you call to me and come and pray to me, I shall listen to you. When you search for me, you will find me; when you search wholeheartedly for me, I shall let you find me...

God created us to live in peace. When the devil attacks us and heads us toward disaster, we can feel it. We know it is wrong, but sometimes we choose to move backward instead and allow ourselves to believe in the lies the enemy has whispered in our ears. Sometimes we accept it as truth and open our hearts to become more vulnerable to other attacks.

When this happens, turn to God. Pray to Him. Not only will He listen, but he will also allow us to find him. Remember: no matter what we have done, God will never turn from us. With God backing us up, we should feel confident as we move from the wilderness of lies onto the path of truth.

Like our list? Check out our other top lists on Classic movies every Catholic teen should watch, 5 New Year's resolutions all Catholics should aspire to, Christmas Trees Around the World, sex, lifting your spirits, dealing with anger, love, common misquotes, how to give and healing.

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