"Forget

The Book says to forget the past,

Press on to what’s ahead,

But I have memories long to last,

In spite of what it said.

So how do I forget what was,

And focus on today,

I really need to know because,

I want to be okay,

With all the Lord expects of me,

In the season that is now,

I need for Him to set me free,

Help me move on somehow.

Honestly here’s what I know,

That it’s how the past affects,

What we do and how we grow,

And if someone expects,

To live on purpose for God’s will,

To learn from yesterday,

But never let what happened steal,

Our obedience today.

Remember without anger,

Or hurt or fear or worry,

Overcome the danger,

And never in a hurry.

But savor every blessing,

One day at a time,

Leave all that’s distressing,

Or puts you in a bind.

Learning from all that was wrong,

Celebrate the right,

Never let ‘em steal your song,

And stay clean in the light.

The upward pull of heaven’s call,

Should be refreshed each day,

Never balk and never stall,

When you hear Jesus say,

Follow Me and cast your net,

You’re fishing now for men,

And with the Spirit always let,

Him say just where and when,

You share the truth with everyone,

The Good News that you know,

Magnifying God the Son,

And daily let it show.

“…But I focus on one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT)

We are products of our past, for better or for worse. Paul’s counsel is somewhat surprising. His focus is on God’s calling for today and tomorrow and its ultimate goal, not what happened yesterday. In fact he say he actually “forgets” the past. But is that even possible. What Paul means is that he is not going to let the past steal God’s best today or tomorrow. He may remember what happened but he is unaffected by it. If it was good he can celebrate it without idolalizing yesterday’s blessing. If it was bad he can learn what is needed and move on from it without a burden. That’s what the Holy Spirit enables us to do- remember without being hindered. This is necessary for experiencing God’s highest and best.

Lord, help us move on from the past and focus on what matters today and tomorrow, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mikel Donahue, used by permission. Thanks, Mikel, and God bless you.