“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isa. 43:18-19)

Writer and philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” That’s true. It is good to learn from the past. However, dwelling on the past and becoming stuck there is not beneficial. As the passage at the top says, God brings new beginnings, both for the present and for the future.

When joined to Christ the old is gone, the new has come

“Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17 GNTD)

God gives strength needed for the present and for the future

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:12-13 NIV)

Ask for a new and loyal spirit

Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me.” (Psalm 51:10 GNT)

Therefore

“So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.” (Heb. 12:1-2 GNT)

Quote

“Leave the broken, irreversible past in God's hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.” - Oswald Chambers