Some things are important to look back on and some should be forgotten all together. I want to be sure I’m looking at the right things when I remember the past.
DON’T LOOK BACK
In guilt
It is easy to keep beating myself up over the past. But if I have confessed and repented, then it’s time to trust God’s grace is sufficient. God has forgiven and promised sanctification.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
In longing
Those good old days are sometimes remembered to be better than they actually were. Think of the Israelites only remembering the flavorful food in Egypt and forgetting that they were in slavery. Or consider Lot’s wife, who famously looked back after being instructed not to. She watched her old life burn up before her own destruction. I shouldn’t hang on to those things that God has moved out of my life.
But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26
DO LOOK BACK
To learn
It’s important to learn from mistakes, and even successes, I have made. I can build on a foundation of learning by looking back and assessing where I can do better and what pitfalls to avoid in the future.
The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3
To remember God’s faithfulness
The most important reason to look back is to recall what God has done. Recount His faithfulness. Teach it to the next generation. Remember specifically how God has been faithful to me, to His people and be reminded that He is the same yesterday today and tomorrow.
Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. Deuteronomy 4:9
Look back and remember. Don’t look back and wallow. God is good. Put the old flesh and mistakes behind and move toward the new and good purpose that lies ahead. He will faithfully meet us there.
