Forgetting What is Behind
Our memory can be something tricky. I, for one, find my memory just isn’t what it use to be. In fact, I find myself writing down a lot of things that seem to be important for me to remember. The problem with my “lists” is that I have to remember where I put the list of things to remember.
Isn’t it odd that we can’t seem to remember the things that we have forgotten but yet can’t seem to forget those things that we should no longer remember. Let that sink in a moment.
While my notes serve as a reminder to me in my moments of forgetfulness, there are things that I just cannot forget, no matter how hard I try. Things that cause me to worry and fret about that I have no control over and honestly things that I have no business worrying about in the first place. Why can’t we just forget about it?
Paul addressed this memory issue with the Philippian people, he said;
“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 3:13-14)
Paul says it is “one thing” that he does but then goes on to mention two different things (forget what is behind AND strain toward what is ahead). Either Paul didn’t understand math or he was suggesting that the two things that he mentions goes together. When we focus on the past and the worry of yesterday, it is impossible to be focused on God. Paul is teaching us that in order to go forward, we must let go of what is behind us.
Forgetting to pick up the laundry or forgetting where you put your car keys is much easier than forgetting your past pain and difficulties. Forgetting doesn’t mean that the memory of what we have gone thru is completely erased but when we set our minds on God instead of our past, we make a conscious effort to put behind us those things that are out of control anyhow.
When the enemy wants to bring up the memory of your past wrong doings, plead the Blood and make a mental note (write down if you have to) that reads, “Forgiven, forget about it!” If you want to move forward, stop picking up your past and taking it with you into your future!
PRAYER: Dear God: Thank You for forgiving me of my sins, help me to leave my past in the past. I want to forget what lies behind me so that I can be focused on what You have for me going forward. When others bring up my past, help me to write myself a note to remind myself that it is forgiven and thrown into the sea of forgetfulness. Thank You God for a clear piece of mind today. AMEN
If you prayed that prayer with me today, know that God loves you and He has forgiven you. Now, leave what has been done, what has been said, in the past and press on towards the prize that God has for you.
BLESSINGS. Laurie
@copyright2018 laurieadams
*find me on facebook for more daily devotions @womentakingastand.
God showed me many years ago that rehashing old wrongs and sins was like digging up garbage that needed to stay buried to compost and recycle.
I’m working on that. Good thoughts.