Letting Go of the Past: Embracing God's New Thing

This verse, Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV), is frequently referenced to inspire individuals to release their grasp on the past, welcome change, and place their faith in God's capacity to usher in new and improved experiences in the days to come. It conveys a powerful message of hope, rejuvenation, and a profound trust in the benevolent providence of God.

The verses read as follows:

Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV):

18 "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

God is saying to let go of the past and do not dwell on former things, for He is ushering in something new. It's remarkable how your memory can grip onto the events of yesterday even as you move into tomorrow. Regardless of whether our past has been marked by negative or positive experiences, one undeniable fact remains: our minds predominantly operate in the realm of imagery. We are inherently wired to be emotionally connected to these mental pictures, which can be remarkably powerful.

In the realm of memory, the images we retain can serve as both a gift and a weapon. Our recollections can be a precious gift, offering us comfort and nostalgia in times of need, or they can become a weapon, haunting us with past regrets and bitterness, potentially impeding our progress.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! (NIV)

Let's consider the example of Paul as he conveys his unwavering commitment to progressing in his faith journey in Philippians 3:13-14. In the (NIV), he articulates this sentiment:

"My brothers and sisters, I do not claim to have already grasped it all, but there is one thing I do: forgetting what lies in the past and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I persist in my pursuit of the heavenly prize that God has called me to receive through Christ Jesus."

The Prophet Isaiah's declaration in Isaiah 50:7, "I have set my face like flint and I know I will not be put to shame," epitomizes unwavering determination and absolute commitment. It signifies an unyielding resolve to persevere through any obstacle, be it a storm, challenging circumstances, or opposition from any source. Regardless of the challenges, one remains resolute and unshaken, moving forward with steadfast purpose.

The Bible vividly illustrates the consequences of looking back in the story of Lot's wife in Genesis 19. She had been explicitly warned not to glance back at the destruction unfolding behind her. Nevertheless, she disobeyed this divine directive. It's possible that, as they fled their home and left behind all their memories, she may have felt compelled to take one last look for closure or out of disbelief at the impending cataclysm. Yet, her act of looking back was an act of rebellion against God's clear command, leading to her tragic transformation into a pillar of salt.

"And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed."

In this verse, the angels caution Lot and his family not to gaze backward or pause in the plain but to hurry to the mountains to evade the imminent destruction. It's in direct response to this command that Lot's wife disobeys and looks back, resulting in the consequences mentioned in Genesis 19:26.

Hebrews 10:38 (NIV) conveys a powerful message: "But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back." In our spiritual journey, we are encouraged to bid farewell to yesterday, both its achievements and its pains, as we forge ahead with unwavering faith. It's not just about leaving behind the past, but also about mustering the inner strength to look exclusively forward.

Many people struggle to receive the blessings and opportunities that God may be offering because they accumulate memories of past defeats and setbacks. This accumulation of negative experiences can hinder their ability to move forward, much like the man who waited by the pool for 38 years in the biblical story.

Many of us find ourselves deeply entangled in the emotions of the past, making it a challenge to muster the courage needed to bid it farewell. Our life journeys are intricately woven with stories, and a poignant example comes from the story of Moses.

It was Moses' ability to let go of his past that allowed him to encounter the God of heaven. This is the same Moses who was raised with the potential to become the next Pharaoh of Egypt, yet he also carried the weight of a dark deed, having taken a man's life in Egypt. Fleeing from that past, he found himself at the backside of a desolate mountain, facing an uncertain future.

Moses' journey teaches us that sometimes, in order to embrace new experiences and encounters with God, we must press forward with faith and determination, leaving the past behind. His story, encapsulated in the Bible, reflects the transformative power of moving beyond one's history, allowing space for God's new and extraordinary plans to unfold.

Just as Moses needed to wave goodbye to his past in Egypt, we too can find new spiritual heights by releasing the emotional grip of yesterday and pressing onward in faith.

The human mind is a remarkable and intricate creation, a powerful spiritual mechanism designed by God Himself. When God speaks to us, it's a profound reminder to pay heed, for He intimately comprehends the intricate design of the very minds He crafted.

In the realm of our thoughts, it's essential to recognize the potential destructiveness of dwelling on the past—yesterday has the power to bind us to regrets, hold us captive to painful memories, and impede our progress. To fully embrace the present and the future, we must release the grip of yesterday's negative influences, just as God calls us to let go and move forward in His light and guidance.

Subconsciously, our minds often don't distinguish between reality and imagination, which is why emotional responses can be triggered by thoughts, memories, or even fictional narratives. This phenomenon is rooted in the brain's ability to evoke emotions based on the information it processes. When we recall a past event or imagine a scenario, the emotional and physiological responses can be quite real, even if the experience is purely in our thoughts. It's why we can cry or feel joy when reminiscing about the past, as well as why we can become emotionally engaged while watching a movie or reading a book even though we know it is fake and 100 percent made up. We cry anyway.

This aspect of the mind's functioning underscores the power of our thoughts and the profound impact they can have on our emotions and well-being. It's a reminder that our mental and emotional states are deeply interconnected and can be influenced by both real-life experiences and the imaginative realms of our minds.

In my understanding, I've come to see that there's a powerful dynamic at play in the realm of our thoughts and emotions. It seems that our adversary, Satan, is adept at manipulating our human nature, particularly our attachment to past experiences. I've noticed that whenever I endeavor to move forward or embrace new opportunities, there's a tendency to be drawn back into the past.

It's as if every time I contemplate past events, I inadvertently grant them the power to resurface and affect my present state of mind. This can become a hindrance to progress, as dwelling on the past can resurrect old regrets, mistakes, or negative emotions. It's a reminder that this manipulation of our thoughts can impede our personal and spiritual growth, and it underscores the importance of maintaining a forward-looking perspective, driven by faith and hope, rather than being anchored in the past.

In my reflection on the dynamics of blame and responsibility, I've drawn upon the story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis to illustrate some important insights. The way Adam and Eve responded to God's questions offers profound lessons about human behavior and the consequences of evading responsibility.

In Genesis 3:8-9 (NIV), when God enters the garden, Adam and Eve, having just eaten the forbidden fruit, attempt to hide from His presence. When God calls out to Adam, his response is quite revealing. Instead of acknowledging his own actions, Adam deflects responsibility and places the blame on Eve, stating, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." In doing so, Adam not only blames Eve but implies that God is also accountable for placing Eve with him.

Turning to Eve, God inquires about her actions. She, too, avoids taking responsibility by pointing to the serpent and saying, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Here, she assigns the blame to the serpent, sidestepping her own culpability.

This biblical account highlights how, even from the early moments of human history, our inclination to shift blame and evade responsibility has been a part of our human nature. It serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of not owning up to our actions. It underscores the importance of recognizing and accepting responsibility for our choices and behavior, as well as the consequences of failing to do so.

In my perspective, the power of the past, whether it's filled with successes or failures, is a force that can shape our lives in profound ways. It's a challenging endeavor to let go of past achievements, especially when we yearn for greatness and accomplishments.

 However, in the divine order of God's plan, moving forward often requires us to disentangle ourselves from the grip of yesterday.

Holding on to previous spiritual encounters or fixating on past moves of God might obstruct our ability to fully engage with His present and evolving work. Have you ever noticed that the last move of God fights the current move of God? This is a great reminder to stay attuned to what God is doing now, remaining open to His ongoing guidance and not being confined to a static, historical understanding.

Conquer your past. Be delivered from the weapon of yesterday. Our lives are filled with old pictures, old memories, old books, old things, old songs. Even god gets tired of old songs and old wine:

Psalm 96:1 (NIV): "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth."

Joel 2:24 (NIV): "The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil."

The reference to Isaiah 43:18-21 (KJV) further emphasizes this message:

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old."

This passage underscores the importance of not dwelling on past events and experiences. It encourages us to let go of what has transpired and be open to the new things that God is continually doing. It's a reminder that, in order to fully experience the blessings and opportunities of tomorrow, we must release the comfort and constraints of yesterday.

Psalm 119:130 (KJV) proclaims, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." It's important to note that Gods Word bestows light and understanding. It does NOT state that His Word gives information. No, it says His Word gives LIGHT and UNDERSTANDING!

Consider the profound revelation that emerges from the story of Jacob. This ancient narrative in Genesis 30:37-43 (NIV) unveils an intriguing lesson about the relationship between perception and transformation. Jacob's actions offer a metaphorical insight into the idea that what we set before our eyes and the lens through which we perceive life can significantly impact our reality.

In this story, Jacob's ingenious strategy involves taking freshly cut branches from specific trees and carefully peeling away their bark to reveal the white inner wood. Placing these stripped branches near the watering troughs, he deliberately influenced the mating behavior of his sheep and goats. When the flocks came to drink, they mated in the presence of these branches, leading to the birth of offspring with streaks, speckles, and spots.

The remarkable aspect of this narrative is how Jacob's altered perception, symbolized by the stripped branches, led to a transformed reality. By deliberately focusing on this new perspective, he was able to separate the speckled and spotted young animals from the rest. These distinct flocks, facing the streaked and dark-colored animals belonging to Laban, set Jacob on a path to remarkable prosperity.

This story serves as a compelling illustration of how changing one's perception and mindset can result in tangible transformation and success. 

The story of Gideon provides a profound lesson in the power of perception and how God's character operates. When the Lord approached Gideon, He addressed him as a "mighty man of valor," even though Gideon was in a state of hiding.

This divine interaction reveals God's ability to see beyond the immediate circumstances and call forth the potential within individuals.

God was already at work in changing Gideon's perception of himself. He saw Gideon not as he was in that moment, but as the courageous and capable individual he had the potential to become.

The story of Gideon serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial importance of having the right perception. It encourages us to redirect our focus away from past embarrassments, shame, and tears and to fix our gaze on the "BEHOLD, I am doing a new thing " moments where God is orchestrating new things for your life. Meditating in the Word of God and understanding it is vital because it is through the Word that God reveals our true identity in Christ.

Conversely, it's important to recognize that Satan often attempts to deceive us by associating our identity with our past mistakes and challenging circumstances. 

The past has a remarkable way of wielding its influence through the images it conjures. This is why there are times when God orchestrates the removal of certain people from your life. It is a reflection of the character of God, who guides us away from individuals who hold onto mindsets and perceptions that hinder the transformative work He intends for us.

Often, people are more inclined to celebrate the polished, completed version of us, as the journey of transformation, the process, can be arduous and, at times, unattractive. God's way of separating you from these influences is to create an environment where you are unknown.

 A space where no one can remind you of what God is delivering you from and where no one ties you to the memories of yesteryears.

For many, this is the season they find themselves in. God's primary focus is the development and education of your spirit, and it can be challenging to evolve when surrounded by those who intimately know your past. Even when those around you are well-intentioned, the process of spiritual growth often necessitates isolation, as God removes you to reveal something else, to show you a fresh perspective.

Moses's life had been immersed in the presence of Pharaoh and the dark arts of witchcraft, but one day he encountered a burning bush that defied his understanding—it burned but was not consumed. This remarkable sight was something entirely new, an act of God that seized his attention and marked the ground as holy. In that moment, God desired to bring about a new work, but Moses had to shed the weight of his past experiences to fully engage with this divine encounter.

The biblical guidance echoes in Isaiah 43:18-19, "Remember not the former things; behold, I am doing a new thing." This is a call to shift our focus away from the past and "BEHOLD" the new things God is orchestrating in our lives, just as He did for Moses when He revealed His plan for Moses' role in delivering the Israelites from Egypt.

Meditation on God's Word involves a continuous cycle of reading, hearing, and internalizing its teachings. The power of repetition is instrumental in this process. By repeatedly engaging with the Word, we engrave its truths upon our hearts and minds, allowing its wisdom to guide our thoughts, actions, and beliefs.

Repetition has the capacity to transform anything, even a falsehood, into a deeply held conviction. It underscores the significance of spending time in the presence of God and engaging with His Word, as it shapes us.

If we allocate just a brief amount of time with God but immerse ourselves for extended hours in the company of mediocrity, we will inevitably reflect the influence we linger with most. Hence, it becomes vital to prioritize the presence of God and His Word. "Behold" is an enduring commitment, extending as long as necessary, to focus on God and His wisdom.

It is equally important to be vigilant regarding the negative voices that dwell on your past, which may be influenced by demonic spirits. Immerse yourself in the study and learning of the Word to become fully immersed in the "new you" until it becomes an inseparable part of your being.

In your pursuit of destiny, become so captivated by where you are headed that the past loses its grip. Just as the animals in Laban's house could be changed by looking at the wood, your destiny can undergo a transformation by focusing on the right things and reshaping your entire identity and life.

Amanda Allen

www.KingdomRevelations.com