Knowing that our Christian faith is rooted in God’s unwavering love and promises, should be an encouragement to each of us. The Bible teaches us to focus on Jesus and avoid dwelling on the past. In Philippians chapter 3 verses 13 and 14, Paul encourages believers by saying, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this 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.” Paul wanted the believers at Philippi to know that he had not attained that perfect righteousness in Christ and he was determined that there was no turning back for him; our brother Paul was sold out and he was not going to look back at his old life, past sins, mistakes, or regrets. You and I cannot look back at these things either. When we allow old circumstances and our past to creep into our minds, they become a stumbling block and a pig pen of despair full of condemnations. Between verses 12 and 16, we are called to focus our efforts on fulfilling the divine purposes that God has established for us.

I love how the Holy Spirit will send you an encouraging word through a person or reveal His word to you just when you need it most. That happened to me recently about Matthew 14. (29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.) This is one account of Jesus walking on water. When reading this story, it is evident that Peter remained unfazed by the storm when he kept his focus on Jesus. However, as soon as he shifted his attention away from Jesus and became preoccupied with the storm, fear overtook him, and he began to sink. This is a great illustration of how we can easily be distracted by the challenges and uncertainties of life when we take our eyes off Jesus; If I can be honest, I just experienced this when I became  distracted about my own desires. The next thing I know fear has creeped in and I, like Peter, began to sink in despair. So our reminder is that we must keep our focus on Jesus and not allow anything else  (be like a dog on a bone) to pull our attention away from Jesus.

Finally, the writer of Psalm 119 in verse 105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” We know that light provides sight; it reveals, it empowers, and it guides us clearly. This scripture does not say that our past or circumstances are a light for our path. Neither does it say dwelling on the woulda, coulda, and shouldas of life is the light for our path.

I am someone who values and likes practical applications. How can we avoid looking back? How can we keep our focus on Jesus? First, give yourself some grace. I don’t know about you, but I need some Ephesians chapter 4 verses 23 and 24 the grace of God kind of grace. It says, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Then, without intentionality we cannot live out Psalm 1 verse 2 that tells us to read and meditate on God’s word day and night. (But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:2) Also, we must put into action God’s word as James 1:22 says. (But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.) We cannot forget about praise and worship. One of many scriptures that reminds me to praise the Lord at all times and to speak his praises is Psalm 34 and 1. (I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.) Finally, a familiar scripture on prayer reminds us to pray without ceasing. (Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

By focusing on Jesus and throwing ourselves in His Word, we will be equipped to overcome challenges and not look back.