Leaving
the Past Behind
By Karen D’Amore
“…But one thing I
do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on
toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in
Christ Jesus.”
Philippians
3:13b-14 (NIV)
It’s
been nearly thirteen years since I left my Southern
California roots. A recent trip home for my fortieth high school
reunion prompted the longing for a walk down memory lane. Taking time to
re-visit those pivotal memory markers from my past proved to be an interesting
experience. Chronicling the journey through photos on Facebook, I returned to my
old homes, schools, churches, neighborhoods, past jobs, restaurants and
favorite hang-outs.
With
my memory set ablaze, archived images rose to the forefront of my mind. At
first, those memories evoked smiles and laughter as I reflected on “the good
‘ol days!” Unfortunately, those memories of family and friends, laughter and
joy were also fused with historical wounds, sins, insecurities, regrets and
failures. For weeks those undesirable
memories infiltrated my dreams, plaguing
me with painful thoughts, guilt and shame. Succumbing to those crippling
thoughts gave Satan a stronghold over my mind…spiraling me into a state of
oppression.
Though
cognizant of my spiritual battle, I struggled to free myself from the enemy’s grip.
After fervent prayer, meditating on Scripture and stillness before God, I was
eventually set free from that battle. As I reflected on Isaiah
43:18-19a (NIV), “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See,
I am doing a new thing,” I was reminded that we can’t move forward if we’re continually
looking backwards. And also, God can’t
do “a new thing” if we’re stuck on the old things!
While our human nature is compelled to dwell on
negatives from the past, we can work to anticipate and focus on our perfect eternal
future. And though we aren’t able to change the past, we can’t allow it to dictate
or define our future. As Christ-followers, Scripture assures us, “So if the Son
sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36, NIV). Through our freedom
in Christ, we are no longer prisoners to our past. As we change our focus, we
can replace painful thoughts of the past with scriptural promises for the
future. When we surrender to the “new thing” God is doing, He can transform us
from wounded soldiers…into His spiritual warriors!
Commit your future to Christ and leave the past behind!
“When the past
calls, let
it go to voicemail, it’s got nothing new
to say!” [Author Unknown, 1]
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Is something from your past holding you prisoner? Relinquish it to God!
2.
What things do you need to eliminate to free you from the past?
FURTHER READING:
Married
to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at
Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s
on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
