Josh Wilson – That Was Then, This Is Now (Melodies of Mercy)

Some songs hit you with nostalgia. Others hit you with truth. That Was Then, This Is Now by Josh Wilson does both — it’s a joyful, unapologetic reminder that the person you used to be doesn’t get to define the person you are in Christ. It’s the sound of chains hitting the floor and a new name being spoken over your life.

Josh wrote the song as a celebration of transformation — the kind that only happens when grace collides with a surrendered heart. It’s upbeat, yes, but it’s not shallow. Every lyric is rooted in the reality of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” That’s not a metaphor. It’s a declaration.

I know what it’s like to carry the weight of “then” — the mistakes, the regrets, the labels you thought you’d never shake. There was a time when I believed my past was the truest thing about me. But God has a way of rewriting stories. Ephesians 2:4‑5 says, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” That’s the heartbeat of this song: you’re not just improved, you’re alive.

What I love about That Was Then, This Is Now is that it doesn’t dwell on the past — it acknowledges it, then points you forward. It’s a reminder that mercy isn’t just a one‑time event; it’s a daily reality. Lamentations 3:22‑23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Every sunrise is another chance to live in the “now” of God’s grace.

So if you’ve been living like your past still has the final say, it’s time to step into the truth. That was then. This is now. The cross has spoken, the grave is empty, and your story is still being written. Don’t wait for a better moment to believe it — the new life is already yours. Walk in it.

Click here to visit Josh Wilson website for more.