Reaching For The Future

Always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:17–18

Every one of us has a yesterday, a past. For some of us, it’s filled with wonderful memories. For some of us, maybe nondescript events. But if your past is like mine, it’s filled with pain. And God wants all of us to let go of our past and walk into our future with Him.

The apostle Paul taught us a powerful truth when he wrote that he forgot what was behind and strained for what was ahead, for what God had for him (Philippians 3:13–14). Paul was determined to let go of everything that was in his yesterday (good, bad, nondescript) so that he could freely reach forward into his tomorrow. He understood that where we are going is much more important than where we have been.

Today, take steps to courageously and intentionally let go of your past. Better than erasing your past, denying it, outrunning it, or escaping it, choose to deal with it so it no longer defines your future. That means facing it and forgiving others. It’s taking ownership and embracing all the seasons of it—whether good or bad—so God can use it for a good future. I’m so thankful for what He’s done with mine.

Lord God, please give me guidance for dealing with the past so I am free to enjoy the present and embrace the future You have for me.