Live Like There's No YesterdaySample

Day One

God Is Doing a New Thing

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18–19; Revelation 21:5

I’ve spent way too much time in my life looking over my shoulder, ruminating on things that have happened, or didn’t happen, in my past. It’s not like I mean to do it, but those yesterdays creep up on me and pretty soon the memories that get rekindled start burning brightly.

Dwelling on the past isn’t limited to recalling painful, negative experiences. We can also focus on good things, celebrations, past experiences, and achievements, and even though they’re positive, they can still keep us from experiencing joy and freedom today. 

The Bible gives clear direction when it comes to how we deal with yesterday: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” (Isaiah 43:18). I admit it would be so much easier if I just did what that verse tells us to do. 

Part of my problem might be that even after accepting the implications of that verse, and intentionally choosing to do as it says, I get bogged down—because right away I start thinking about the past in order to grasp what things are most important for me to forget. Like trying not to think of pink elephants, I end up dwelling on the past even as I try not to let it cross my mind. 

So where should we be focusing our attention instead? God through Isaiah goes on to say, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). And the final message at the very end of the Bible reminds us, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:5).

When we choose to let go of the past, with all the resentment, shame, and memories of pain it brings, we are free to live each day with confidence and hope. We are free to look at the new things God is doing in and through us.

Choosing to let go is not the same as denying what happened, nor does it suggest it won’t take time and effort to let it go in a healthy way. We won’t forget, but we can forgive. In releasing the past, we release ourselves.

Name one thing in your past—positive or negative or a mix of both—that God might be asking you to stop dwelling on.