Time to forget | Freeimages.com
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,Philippians 3:13
We all have had experiences, which scarred us and caused us pain. Some are so traumatic that when we think of them we are overwhelmed with emotions, they sink us into an abyss of despair. Unable to control our natural reactions our eyes well up with tears which cascade down our cheeks. Our chests may even heave and hoe because we are unable to catch our breath.
What triggers it? It could be anything or anyone. But what is most likely true is that it cuts deep and hurt is at the core of our being. It could be thoughts of failure, hurtful words spoken by another, scars from childhood, disappointments in life, struggles that we face, devastating news, financial woes, the loss of a loved one, or a multitude of other things. Whatever it is God is saying it is time to forget.
The devil desires for us to replay and nurse old wounds, offenses, hurts, disappointments, failures, or experiences. He wants to be alive, active, and influential in our emotions, for it allows him to control, manipulate, and separate us from God. As long as we are consumed with the past, we are not living in the present nor are we advancing toward our future in the Lord.
But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Genesis 19:26
God says that he has a hope and a future for us. How can we live it or enjoy it if we are looking backwards? Jesus came to rescue us from danger. Why do we insist on looking back rather than ahead?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11
All that God has for us is in front of us. Therefore, as followers of Christ we are to do as he did, look toward the joy that is set before us which is in Christ Jesus!
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Each one of us has to decide what we will do. Will be press toward the mark for the prize? Or will be turn back as Lot’s wife?
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Paul decided to forget those things that were behind. He neglected them, no longer cared for them; he gave them over to oblivion! He hid them away in secret so that they did not rob him of what was ahead of him.
The Hebrew word for forget is shakach it means to ignore, to cease to care, to be forgotten or to wither. Therefore, God is telling us that there are somethings in life that should be allowed to waste away to weaken in our lives and memories. When we focus on them or dwell on them, we empower and strengthen them turning them into strongholds in our lives.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Corinthians 10:4
How can we break these strongholds by not strengthening them with our time, remembrance, energy, or through unforgiveness. As they wither, we are able to tear down their walls with the weapons of our warfare, which are mighty through God.
Today is the day to forget . . . are you ready?
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1
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Wonderful message and so very true! I think we all have baggage we need to shove away. And it is hard, but with God’s strength it’s doable. Thanks Michelle.