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PROGRAM D-6960
We’ve been talking about how important it is for us to forget some things in our past. When we are consumed with the past, it cripples us and makes it impossible for us to be productive and useful for the Lord.
But how do we forget? You’ll never be able to do it on your own. I have a dear friend who is totally consumed with her past, and it is destroying her life. Unfortunately, she does not know Christ as her Savior, and within herself has no power to put the past behind her. Undoubtedly it would be mission impossible without the Lord.
But with God’s help, I truly believe it is possible for us to forget what we should forget. One reason the Apostle Paul could forget those things that were behind was because he had a goal in front of him. You know, when you’re occupied with doing something worthwhile, when you have activities that are meaningful and important, you can forget what is behind much easier. I notice that people who are inactive are much more likely to be consumed with their pasts.
Think about it: In your life are you more focused on the past than you are on the future? What do you think about most often? What bothers you most frequently? Your past? Can you not see how that is preventing you from knowing the joys and blessings God has planned for your future? God is waiting to do a new thing for you, but dwelling on the past keeps you from seeing the good things God wants to do.
What is it God wants you to press forward to attain? What are the things you should be doing that are eternally significant? Who are the people you need to be pouring your life out for? When we become involved in the future, then we’re able to forget those things that are behind us.
Don’t wait until you can get the past behind you before you start focusing on the future. Remember, Paul said he still had things to deal with in his life. But nonetheless, even in that incomplete stage, he focused on the future.
Start right where you are, even though you feel straddled with your past. Determine to focus on the future, with God’s help. You will discover that in the process of becoming future oriented, the problems with your past will begin to subside. An important part of your healing from past wounds is to forget them by filling your life with the good things of the future which God has for you.
I pray that many of you who have been consumed with the past will determine to give that past over to God, allow him to handle it for you, and look for the new thing he wants to do for you.