FORWARD TODAY

We live in a world of constant motion. Life is in a fast-paced, fast food, fast-forward spin. We are all naturally prompted to move forward, yet there is a small, subconscious part of us that yearns for something in the past. Either we long to change details of our history or wish we could cement ourselves in the precious memories of distant, former days.

But, if we are constantly looking back, trying to relive or re-do the past, that is just how we will walk...backwards. We weren’t created to live this way - our heads, feet, and bodies are formed to walk into the future, not in reverse. If you doubt me, try walking backwards sometime and see how much ground you cover…I guarantee you’ll feel awkward, at best. It’s time-consuming, dangerous, and obviously counter-productive.

We are made to walk forward, to move on and conquer new territories. Even though most of our daily lives form a revolving circle from home to school, work, the store, and back home, we are always accomplishing something with each step taken.

Our minds need to do the same. We must not step backward in our minds; it’s not what they were made for either. Our brains were formed to be inconceivably complex so we’d have the capacity and ability to learn new things and hold new information, while also accessing former memories.

We can’t let our recollections of the past hold us back, be they fond or painful. They can each provide incredibly helpful reminders of past things we have experienced. These stored memories are meant to help us on our journey forward. Let painful lessons become flashing warning signs of future barricades, potholes, and dead-ends. See them, also, as blinking arrows directing to God’s grace and ever-flowing mercies that renew each day. Allow happy memories to be an encouragement; a source of loving road signs of God’s loyalty and delight in us.

May each memory vividly remind you of just how He rescued and lifted you higher than any place you could have ever attained on your own. Let them be tangible evidence that He was, is, and always will be faithful and true to you. Standing on His promises, survey future horizons and realize the adventure continues with a single step forward today…

“...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 3:13-14 (NIV)

In Him,
Katie Marie