Put the past behind you (and leave it there)

If you have put the past behind you,
then leave it there.
It is not like the things "written aforetime",
the past which upbuilds and strengthens.
It is the past of one doing wicked and sinful things,
things which you have since repented of,
things which you are now making an effort not to carry out.

If you have said "forgive me, Jehovah, for I have sinned,"
and with downcast eyes have torn away your right hand,
and are now seeking to do what is good with "a heart broken and crushed,"
then be of good cheer! Jehovah has forgiven you.
Indeed, He is "good and ready to forgive,"
and "there is more joy over one who repents
than over 99 who are not in need of repentance."

Listen closely, and you will hear the rapture in Heaven,
Jehovah and Jesus and the myriad angels
glad of your change of course.
Hear their joy, and may it be your joy as well!
Though it is only right for your heart to rebuke you
when you are doing what is wrong,
be sure to rebuke it when you are doing what is right.
Do not let your heart cause you to give up
in doing what is fine,
do not let guilt resurge over what no longer is.