“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? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
Letting Go of the Past
When we think about forgetting, a lot of times it involves letting go of the past. We all can get stuck in old stories and memories that can hinder our growth. The Bible teaches us to forget the former things and to let go of the burdens we carry. This act of forgetting is not about erasing memories but about releasing the hold they have on us. It encourages us to embrace new beginnings and open our hearts to what God is doing in our lives now. By letting go of what weighed us down, we allow room for God’s blessings to flow into our present and future.
Philippians 3:13
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” – Philippians 3:13
Isaiah 43:18
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” – Isaiah 43:18
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Renewing Our Minds
Forgetting what weighs us down often requires us to renew our minds. We can be transformed by the Word of God, which reminds us to focus on what is pure, lovely, and admirable. When we choose to fill our minds with His truths, we can let go of the negative thoughts that often cling to us. It is in this space of renewal that we find the strength to move forward, as we learn to forget the things that no longer serve us. Moreover, this transformation empowers us to live freely and joyfully in the present.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
God’s Forgiveness
God’s promise of forgiveness is at the heart of forgetting. When we stumble and fall short, we can rest assured that God forgives us. The assurance of His grace allows us to forget our past mistakes and sins, freeing us from shame and guilt. His forgiveness empowers us to forgive ourselves and others, releasing burdens we may have carried for too long. By accepting His forgiveness, we learn to walk in the light of His love and grace, allowing the past to shape us but not define us.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Micah 7:19
“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” – Micah 7:19
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
Embracing New Opportunities
Forgetting also allows us to embrace new opportunities. When we stay fixated on past failures or disappointments, we may miss out on the blessings that God has prepared for us. The Bible encourages us to look forward and keep our eyes fixed on the future that God has in store. By letting go of old failures and fears, we open ourselves to new paths of hope, happiness, and joy. This embrace of new opportunities can inspire us and equip us to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11
“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.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19
Revelation 21:5
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'” – Revelation 21:5
Matthew 9:17
“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” – Matthew 9:17
Psalm 40:3
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” – Psalm 40:3
Letting Go of Worry
Forgetting often means letting go of worries that cloud our hearts and minds. It is easy to get tangled up in anxiety about the past, but the Bible teaches us to cast our cares on the Lord. By giving our worries to Him, we can find peace that surpasses all understanding. Forgetting these anxious thoughts can open the door to a deeper trust in God’s provision and care for us. We can take comfort in knowing that God is in control and that we have a loving Father looking out for our best.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Lamentations 3:25
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” – Lamentations 3:25
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Relying on God’s Strength
Forgetting our limitations and resting on God’s strength can be challenging, but it is essential. Our past may hold challenges and failures that can discourage us, yet the Bible reminds us to be strong in the Lord. We can choose to forget our weaknesses and rely on His power to uplift us. When we trust in God’s strength, we realize that we can overcome anything that comes our way, knowing that our faith will lead us onward, despite our past struggles. God’s presence supplies us with courage and boldness, allowing us to forget and move beyond.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Final Thoughts
Let us be reminded that forgetting is not about erasing our past but letting go of the weight it carries. We can trust God’s ability to help us embrace new beginnings and opportunities. As we learn to forget, we uncover the freedom to step into our future with hope. Relying on God’s strength will guide us in this process. There’s so much more to explore about letting go. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our articles on letting the past go and letting go of toxic relationships. These resources can uplift you as you seek to forget the burdens that weigh you down.