How to Let Go of the Past
Isaiah 43:14-25
Sometimes it feels like no matter how much we want to move forward, the past still whispers in our ear: “Remember what you did?” or “You’ll never change.” God said, “Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing.” In Isaiah 43, God predicts the rise and the fall of the Babylonian Empire. God used them to discipline His people, but then the Babylonians began to oppress the Jews. So, God then raised up the Medo-Persians to conquer the Babylonians. In other words, God looked beyond their punishment. God is the God of second chances. And God is always more interested looking ahead to our forgiveness, redemption, and restoration.
Abraham – “as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist” (Romans 4:17)
Moses – “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:26).
Paul – “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).
How do we forget the past? How do we move on?
Forget the former things. To forget means we no longer give it weight.
Do not dwell on the past. The key to ending, rehearsing, reliving and regurgitating the past is forgiveness.
Look for the new thing that God is doing. If you are still stuck on the old thing, it’s possible you will miss the new thing.
Discussion Questions
What is one old habit or item you finally threw away because you no longer needed it? How do you feel when you face a brand-new season in life? What does it mean to “not dwell on the past”? Why is it so hard to stop thinking about old mistakes or past hurts? God asks, “Do you not perceive it?” What might keep us from noticing the new things God is doing around us or inside us? God promises a way in the “wilderness” and water in the “wasteland”. When have you felt like you were in a dry or difficult place, and how did God help you through it? What is one specific old disappointment or fear you need to release this week so you can move forward?