“Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14).
Good or bad, what happened yesterday is a weight you can’t afford to carry today. Being tied to the past will keep you from moving forward into what God has in store for you. The apostle Paul pressed ahead because there was a prize in front of him. The Bible describes the Christian life as a race (Hebrews 12:1). And in any race, looking backward only slows you down. If you want to run well, you have to become skilled at forgetting the past.
Too often, we get stuck looking back at past tragedies and failures instead of pressing ahead. We replay hurtful conversations and broken relationships. We dwell on how others have wronged us, and we carry around bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. These things weigh us down, keeping us from moving forward in our walk with Christ. You won’t gain spiritual ground until you lay those burdens down.
Sometimes the weight is guilt or shame from our own mistakes. We get stuck in “if only” thinking—If only I hadn’t said that. If only I’d made a better choice. But that mindset puts God in a box. His power isn’t limited by our past. Yes, sin has consequences, but when we confess it and trust God, we’re free to move forward. Don’t let past failures define your present calling.
Even the good things in our past can become weights if we cling to them. If you’re constantly looking behind, talking about what used to be, you might miss what God wants you to do today. It’s okay to remember, but don’t live there. Be more driven by what’s ahead than what’s behind.
The sorrow, suffering, and even success of this world can’t hold a candle to the glory that’s coming. Romans 8:18 reminds us: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
So how good are you at forgetting the past? What hurts, regrets, or even successes are you still holding on to? Don’t let your past manipulate your present. Lay those burdens down and press on toward Christ. Like Paul, keep moving forward by living with eternity in view—trusting that you’ve been given the grace and strength to do it.
