Letting Go of the Past
The past becomes the present for many people on a daily basis. During a unannounced moment the past creeps in to the present and can utterly turn joy into sorrow. The past is just that, the past and should be left there. Do not let any item of the past remind you of failures or sorrows that have been released and forgotten. Thoughts come by certain “reminders’ that are not controllable. Could be a familiar sight or a smell. The sound of a voice or a touch of a friend! It even could be a taste of food that triggers a memory. These are uncontrollable but they do not need to be controllable of your present or your future. Yes, the past can actually control your future if you let it! When you let go and let God things can really change. The classic story of Peter stepping out on faith and joining Jesus in the water walking experience is certainly a prime example of forgetting what Jesus is saying. Even in the midst of a miracle the past can cripple and change your faith into doubt and your courage into fear. The sense of future should be controlled by your dreams and desires not your detestations and and delusions.
Paul wrote the dynamic and explosive diametrical statement that explains to the finest of points about what to do with the past…. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13-14 ESV) Cleansing the previous state or condition from your mind and focusing on the present which is a step closer to your dreams. So many, today, are pondering the way it was and it really is not that way at all. We reach for the past when things become less attractive or pleasant in the present. The Israelites did this quite often as they wondered around the desert (Exodus 16:3). Also, in the New Testament we find the disciples and others desiring to return to the past instead of reaching into the promise of God (John 6:60-71). The past is not a comfort zone or a place to hide from your present circumstances. The future is to be pondered and apprehended by faith and knowing your purpose. When the Lord stated – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV) He was seeing into the future not pondering your past. When Jesus looked beyond the cross to the joy that was set before Him He was not looking at your past but to the hope of your future (Hebrews 12:2).
This is a press, something that will not be easy, but can be accomplished if you let God do what He desires in your life. Moving forward consistently into the hope that is set before you. Certainly the enemy does not want you to have a quality life or an abundant life, but Jesus does! …I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (Joun 10:10 KJV). This calling that God has placed before us is the highest calling of all! That is, knowing your purpose and destiny with Christ. Following after it with passion and zeal.
Having the mind renewed and bathed daily in prayer will give the ability to overcome the thoughts of the past and victoriously apprehend your good future. When you know the truth about your future and have a hope that is full you do not have to be like those disciples that turned back and walked with Him no more (John 6:66). Why don’t you start right now in the present and forget those things which are in the past and press on to His high calling for your life?
Dennis
Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.