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I listened to a very powerful sermon this morning. Dr. Myles Munroe says that one of the greatest gifts that we have is the power to forget. It is up to us to forget the mistakes and failures we made in our past that are stopping us from growing. But somehow none of us appreciate that gift. Constantly looking back, we're like those people who can't stop stalking their ex's Instagram, except we're stalking our own past, wondering about every "what if" and "should have" like it's going to change anything. (Spoiler alert: it won't, and your ex is probably doing just fine without you checking their stories every 3 hours.)
Isaiah 43:18-19 says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Put simply, God is saying "Forget it!"
The Memory Trap (Your Brain is a Hoarder)
Your memories are like that drawer everyone has ( I would also have one myself if I had a wardrobe) full of stuff you think you might need someday but probably never will. Studies show that excessive focus on past experiences can actually prevent us from taking necessary risks and making positive changes. (And by studies, I mean actual research papers, not some random Instagram post with a sunset background and inspirational quote.)
The Future Pull > The Past Push
I propose we change the narrative. Instead of living with memories of the past I suggest we start living with a vision of the future. One so powerful that we don't need to drive ourselves to it, but instead in it's power it pulls us towards it.
Here's how to make the switch:
- Stop Making Your Past Your Personality Your story started in the past, but it doesn't end there. If you introduce yourself by talking about what happened five years ago, you're living in the wrong chapter. The next chapter is where the good stuff happens.
- Create a Future So Exciting It Makes Your Past Jealous When your vision of the future is more compelling than your memories of the past, you'll naturally start moving forward. It's like when you smell fresh cookies in the kitchen, you don't think about the stale bread in your hand, you just move toward those cookies.
- Practice Future-Focused Thinking Instead of asking "why did this happen to me?" start asking "where am I going with this?" It's the difference between being the person who keeps watching their wedding video versus the one planning their next adventure.
The Power of Forward Motion
Remember: Your past might have shaped you, but your future is what will define you. The memories that hold you back are just that, memories. They're not prophecies, they're not promises, and they're definitely not permanent addresses.
Now go do something future-focused. Some main character sh*t.
Because This is what we do Now.
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