Throughout our lives we undergo many changes and live through different seasons. We face struggles and experience victories. With the challenges of COVID-19, and other recent societal challenges, we may be tempted to dwell on everything that has taken place in the past.

The pandemic disrupted many of our plans. It is tempting to look back with regret or even angst. However, as we look forward into 2021, we should not overthink things or be hard on ourselves for things that did or didn’t happen.

As people of faith, we are encouraged to look forward and not behind. This is good practice as God is not a God of the past. God is the God of your present and future and your future begins today.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God wants you to look forward and focus your thoughts and attention on His promises for your future. Resist thoughts of regrets of the past that may keep you from moving forward in your life. Make every effort to shift your perspective and thoughts toward the things of God.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

As you set your mind on the things of God, your perspective and even attitudes will change. People may remind you of the past, but God will not. As we follow the instructions for Christian living found in the Gospels and New Testament, we will naturally begin to look forward, not behind.

The Apostle Paul spoke of this in Philippians 3:13-14;

“But I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

God is still writing your story. Look forward as He helps you become all He has called you to be.