"Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past." Isaiah 43:18 NAS

Are you one of those who always calls to mind the former things and the things of the past? Do you focus on them too intently even to the point that they overtake what is going on today or tomorrow? This can be a very harmful thing to our faith of the present day and the future outlook we have toward how the Lord is going to work new mercies and miracles in and through us.

We might get so focused on the past good or bad that we forget the hope we have of what lies ahead in the future. This can especially happen when someone looses a loved one or has been deeply hurt. Here in this verse the Lord was speaking of looking to the past of His goodness to Israel more than the future interposition’s on their behalf. Sometimes we allow the past to run our future. We may get disappointed at how God is not working in the same way as He did in the past.

If the past is full of bad memories then calling them to mind can be cancerous to our souls. Of course there is a time to share how the Lord has worked in your life and this does not mean we shouldn't share our testimonies. We just need to keep a right perspective on today and the future workings of God in our lives. There is no disappointment in keeping our eyes on the way the Lord is going to work in us all things for our good (Rom 8:28).

The apostle Paul gave us an example of this in Philippians 3:13-14. It says, "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: 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 (NAS)." We definitely need to let go of the former hurtful things or failings of the past. We can always honor our Lord through our expression of gratitude and give glory to the Lord Jesus Christ of how He has transformed us in His wonderful light.

It is good to take an account of how the Lord has worked in our lives in the past. It is an awesome thing to hear someone’s testimony. The testimony of a saved life has the power to touch someone's heart to come to repentance. Today keep yourself focused on the future of how the Lord is going to work in your life. He may have worked great miracles in your past but don’t let that discourage your today. On the contrary let it be a reminder of His faithfulness always toward you. He is not done with you and He will be faithful to complete the work He started (Phil 1:6).

When you were first saved you may have seen some pretty amazing changes in your heart and life. Maybe today you feel stagnant in your Christian walk. Maybe you feel like you are not seeing Him move in your life as in the past. Maybe you need to take and inventory of your life before Him. Ask Him to pour out His Holy Spirit afresh and new on you today. Ask Him if there are any areas that need to be surrendered back to Him. Then as He renews your spirit just watch as He kindles a fire in your heart.

The Lord will always meet you where you are when you are willing. Be encouraged today that the kindling in your heart can jump start stagnant into a passion for service. You will see Him move on you and in your life. The former things won’t be the focus anymore. The focus will be Jesus Christ and how He is working your today for His tomorrow. Have a blessed weekend.

In His Grace,
Adam