We spend way too much time looking back on our lives and far too little time looking forward in anticipation of what God is up to today! In doing so, we rob ourselves of seeing what God is doing in a new day for a new time in a new way. This is what we forget: God is always at work and always doing something new in our lives, in our churches, and in our families if we will pay attention to what He is up to today, rather than focusing on what was. 

This was the message that God gave the Israelites in Isaiah 43:18-19. “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.” 

Think for a moment about your church. Too often we look backwards wishing that we could just be what we once were. But that is to forget that the old day has passed and God is up to something brand new. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past,” says God. I am doing a new thing for a new time in a new way. Focus rather on what God is doing today and look forward in anticipation for what He is up to. It is new and fresh and exciting because that is who God is.

Some of us struggle with issues in our own lives where we made poor choices and we keep resawing the sawdust of those decisions and the consequences. The words, “If only” keep coming to our minds. No, says God, that is the wrong perspective. Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing in your life today. Focus on that - not the past. 

Paul knew this truth and applied it in his own life. He was a man of many accomplishments as well as regrets. Yet at the end of his life he said, “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. At a time in life when he could have been satisfied with what he had done, he practiced the discipline of forgetting the past so that he could focus on the new thing God was doing.

Where are you stuck in the past? What are you holding on to from the past that is keeping you from seeing what God is doing today? The way forward is not in the rear view mirror but in front of you. Allow God to show you what He is up to today for a new time and in a new way. It will change your perspective on life, on God and on your circumstances. The way forward is in front of you, not behind you. This is true for individuals and congregations. Let that truth allow you to thank God for what He is doing in your life today. It is a new thing that is springing up. That is God!

Father, help me to let go of the past. Wishing things were like they were and comparing today with yesterday. Help me to practice the discipline of forgetfulness so that I can focus on what you are doing today, in a new way, for a new day in my life and in my church. Amen.