https://odb.org/2023/12/20/forgettable
Isaiah 43:25 speaks of God forgetting the sins of Israel and Judah. He remembers them no more. In verses 18 and 19, He urges them to forget the former things, not to dwell in the past. Instead, see that the LORD is doing a new thing amongst them.
As humans and even believers, we have an unhealthy tendency to dwell in the past. Our past sins and indiscretions. Our former failures, disappointments, or even failed relationships. Our failed attempts at our perception of what success looked like. But time and tide wait for no man. The world has moved on. We are no longer twenty-one or even 30 anymore. Even our past glories and success stories are in the past.
It’s really time we leave the past where it belongs – in the past. Put it behind us, learn our life lessons, and move on in life. As the LORD had advised Israel and Judah in Isaiah 43:18-19, forget the former things and don’t dwell in the past. What could have been, could have been. It can not be anymore. God is doing a new thing among us. What lies ahead is what matters. Jesus is doing new things in our midst. Do not relive our past glory but bask in the glory of His presence. In the now, the contemporary and the future. Our remaining days here on earth. Limited as it is. Nevertheless, we can make something meaningful out of it if we were to put our hearts into it.
In a more contemporary setting in contrast to Isaiah, Paul taught the same thing in Philippians 3:13-14, forgetting what is behind but 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. Our past glory, disappointments, our former what was, and what could have been – leave them behind in the past. Strive instead for what is ahead as the Holy Spirit leads and empowers us! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 