Scripture
“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder the things of the past.” -Isaiah 43:18
Beloved, focusing on the past can inhibit forward progression in our lives. Whether past triumphs or failures, looking back can mean impeding our process. God is urging us to release our fixation on the past experiences to make room for the new plans He’s given us. It’s difficult to accept or even embrace the new while we’re looking back at what was. It could be experiences in a former friendship, former job, former romantic relationship, or former church; our constant meditation on these things can cause us to miss out on what God is trying to do in our lives in the present. Beloved, know that none of us is defined by our past experiences, and we have to trust God’s ability to bring us to a new beginning.
This scripture is calling us to look forward to the wondrous things God is about to do in our lives rather than staying stuck in old memories and situations. Perhaps someone is finding difficulty getting over an ex, or someone is thinking about their glory days in school, or someone feels the aging in their body and longs for their younger days. Whatever you are looking back at, Beloved, God’s divine power can create new paths and opportunities in seemingly barren places in your life. We know that through Jeremiah God already has a plan for our lives, so why look back at what was when we all have an expected end from the Lord? For those of us who are struggling with letting go of the past, this scripture is offering hope for a fresh start.
Isaiah was living during a time when God’s people were in exile, and through him, God spoke to them, promising deliverance. God is giving us the same promise, Beloved. He wants to deliver us from the past so that we can walk in new mindsets, grab new opportunities, walk through new doors, encounter destiny helpers, and, for those who desire it, new love. We cannot grab hold of what’s available by looking back. Remember, someone who puts their hand on the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God. (Luke 9:26). This is a reminder that Jesus requires a consistent forward perspective without being distracted by the past. Beloved, what are you refusing to let go of from your past? Release it so that you can make space for God’s more.
Prayer
Father, we choose to let go of the former things in our lives today. We pray for the courage and strength to continue to release the old experiences, things, and people from our past so that we can embrace the new in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen
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