FORGET WHAT LIES BEHIND

The craziest thing about moving on is almost anything triggers the memories you desire to forget. It could be a song, place, food, movie, scent, or even color. It nearly feels like the more you want to ignore them, the louder the triggers become. However, the choice to hold on to those memories and let them become the center of your life, or be intentional about moving on all depends on you.

Have you ever tried running at full speed while looking behind? You either decelerated or tripped and fell, right? Well, the same concept applies to life. If there's anything that's part of your past and you're trying to move on while still holding on to it then you won't move at your full speed. 

God wants us to forget the past and look to the future.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 NIV

From the verse above, it is worth noting that clinging to the events of the past will keep you from perceiving the present. God is always moving and unless your spiritual senses are fully alert, you can fail to discern what He is doing at the moment. It is very common to miss out on the good thing right in front of you when you're too focused on what you should consider your past.

We've heard the story of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt one too many times that anytime it is mentioned we brush it aside as any other typical cliché. However, I'd like to point out something that recently came to my attention.

When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”

Genesis 19:17 NLT

 When He wants to save you from destruction, God first gets you out of the relationship or situation. It is what you choose to do from that point onwards that makes the difference between you being set free or staying trapped in your past. As you continue with your journey to emotional and mental healing, you'll definitely have to go through the lowest moments, which are the valleys. However, God clearly expresses His wish that we may not stop anywhere in the valley. Just like Lot's wife, you may be tempted to revert to the old situation because you're afraid of what the future may hold for you, or you're missing the few "benefits" you used to "enjoy". 

 
…however, I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.

Philippians 3:13 TPT

… And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith...

Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2 NLT

A few articles back, I talked about silencing the white noise which makes it hard for you to focus on what's ahead. As you continually and intentionally keep your eyes on the ultimate prize, Jesus, He will fix your vision. The best part is you have the Holy Spirit at your disposal. Regardless of how long it'll take you, He is willing to run, walk or even crawl with you till you reach the mountains. 

 

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT

In conclusion, trust that God had your best interests at heart when He ended that relationship or marriage. Believe that what awaits you on the mountain is far worth more than the future you had imagined you'd have with the other person. Let the promises God made you be your motivating factor. Moving on may not be as easy as you'd like it to be but the fruits of taking that step of faith will be worth it. Take as much time in the valley as necessary but make it your goal to not end up being a prisoner of your past. Allow yourself to dream again. Remember, grace to rise above any hardship was released ages ago on the cross, you just have to receive it!