I’m a nostalgic person.
You know, someone who likes to reminisce the past. Even certain foods and smells cause me to recollect special memories and favorite people. For example, I have cinnamon scented candles and Scentsy in my house because it makes me feel homey and reminds me of my mother who is now in heaven with Jesus.
I love antique stores, old black and white movies, and radio shows. Do you remember Abbott and Costello and The Shadow? I used to listen to those with my daddy.
Just before the holidays, I started the process of setting up a home office. This room used to be my oldest son, Kevin’s. We had it decorated with all sorts of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Even though I packed up his Coca-Cola stuff to use in his own home, I decided to carry on the same theme. I’m having fun shopping antique stores for things that fit with my new-old workspace.
Although it’s fun to reminisce the past, it can also be a dangerous practice.
I don’t like talking about this, but I have also been one to struggle with depression. I’ve discovered that too much focus on what was can keep me stuck in the past and miss my blessings now. God has helped me find a proper balance of the two. Afterall, the experiences from my past brought me to who I am today in Christ.
Often, when celebrating the beginning of a new year, there is a tendency to look back over the previous one. Depending on your point of view, this can be helpful or detrimental.
The Bible offers the proper balance.
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13
There is a time for remembering and a time for forgetting.
The Bible gives us examples of both. It is important to consider the passages before the one in our text to understand what Paul is saying. He states, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things” (verse 8). Paul is making the point that no earthy accomplishment compares with Christ and His righteousness. Therefore, he puts his past behind him to strain toward or dioko—pursue with vigor as one following the prize in a race or a hunter pursuing a catch.
We all come to know Christ with humble and repentant hearts.
Regardless of how good or bad, we have been, we all come to Christ the same way: with a humble and repentant heart. And we all come with the millions of memories stored in our brains since birth. But Paul is not saying to completely wipe away those memories when he states “forgetting what is behind.” Some of them were lessons serving as a catalyst for change. When we recall and share the things from our pasts, it should bring honor and glory to God and spiritual benefit to ourselves and those we influence. Remembering our pasts should cause us to be grateful and to press onward toward our heavenly prize.
“Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1
Perhaps last year was marked by difficulty and struggle that you’d just assume forget.
Please remember that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
In my own life, I have seen God take what was meant for evil and turn it around for His good. Because God is good and does only good (Psalm 119:68), He will do the same for you, beloved.
As we look back at 2017 and embrace 2018, let’s be sure and take with us the lessons, lovely memories, and yes—even the pain that draws us to the Father. Our pasts surrendered to the God will help propel us to “press on toward our heavenly goals” and forward motion.
What is a goal that God is calling you to press toward in 2018? Is there something from your past that you once held in high regard until you came to know Christ? Is there anything you are holding onto from your past that the Lord wants you to let go of?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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Beckie – sweet and heartfelt post — it’s normal to feel that way when cleaning out a child’s room- we’ve done it twice – lol. Angie took it harder than me. But the point you made was clear. We must look ahead and I love the verse you used too:
Please remember that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
2018 will be a blast for both of us as we try to minister for the Kingdom.
It’s odd you discussed being depressed earlier in your post because I try to deal with that topic in my post tomorrow- lol.
Anyway, enjoyed the memories and your encouraging outlook.
Del
Thanks, Del. It helps that God has put others (like you and Angie) around me who are dealing with similar life events.
Yes. I believe that the only looking back we should do is the kind that focuses on His hand in our lives and learning from mistakes. Otherwise, we need to keep a high visual horizon, one that is aware of surroundings, but looks toward better things. I have been trying not to look back too much because I too get down about what is lost to me. I try to find something that is precious in the moment and give thanks for it. It’s amazing what it does for the outlook. Another awesome post, Beckie! 😊
Elihu, looking for things in the moment to give thanks for is a great idea. Thanks for that! Blessings to you, friend.
Beckie, yours is the second blog I’ve read today that cautions us not to dwell on the past, but keep moving forward to where God is calling us. Yes, it is wonderful to remember special moments in our lives, but we can be crippled in seeing the blessings of each new day if we stay there too long. Giving thanks in the moment, as Elihu suggests, is a perfect way to keep God close and to open ourselves up to embrace the journey ahead.
Blessings!
Martha, I love Elihu’s suggestion too. I’m thanking God now for YOU, my friend.
Thanking Him for you, too, dear one!
Smile because it happened—yes! I’ve had to choose this path over places I lived and over friendships I miss from those places. It’s so much better than continually focusing on wishing I were back there in that place.
Heather, thanks for stopping by. I’m glad this was helpful. Blessings to you and yours in 2018.
Beckie, What a beautiful post and so timely. I’m sure we all look back and remember things that we wish we had done differently. But, you are right–if we dwell on those mistakes too much, we can become depressed. The scripture you quoted is so comforting. We know that God will take our burdens, but we must make the choice to leave them at His altar. Wishing you continued blessings! (I’m cleaning out my daughters room for an office, too! It’s slow go!)
Katherine, how funny that you are cleaning out your daughter’s room for an office, too! Aw, sister. I’m praying that we both (and other mommas) move forward in this next stage that God has for us with joy bringing honor and glory to HIM.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad it brought some comfort.
Blessings to you and yours in 2018.
Thank you for your honesty and words of wisdom. God uses that pain…from depression, life circumstances, so many ways to forge us into His image. He has made something truly beautiful in you.
Rhonda, your sweet comment made my day. Yes, God has shown me how he makes beautiful things out of our ashes. He is so good!
Thanks and God bless you, my friend!