It is better not to look back
If I started this sentence with “Do not look back” you would do just that. People are inherently opposed to hear the words “do not.” Perhaps it has something to do with the first rebellion that was experienced at the initial creation, when the first sin was committed. Thereafter the inclination to rebel was a temptation that individuals had to fight daily.
I would like to reminisce on the fact that the Lord does not want us to look back to the past. The past hurts, the past sins committed, the past regrets and bitterness. When it comes to the “blame-game” we are very quick at digging out the past wrongs that have been inflicted on us, and slow to impose the Grace that has so freely been given to us.
Earlier in the Bible in the Old Testament Lot’s wife was commanded to not look back (at the brimstone and fire of the evils of Sodom and Gomora) – she wanted to see God’s judgement (Gen 19:24-26). When she disobeyed after the angels said “Don’t look back, lest you be destroyed” Gen 19:17 - she transformed into a salt pillar.
In the New Testament Paul says “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” Phil 3:13.
This is “forward thinking” something that aspires an objective way of thinking, about your future, about moving forward daily, and forcing a positive approach to life in general. This is a mind-decision, a deliberate decision which derives from a change in your thought pattern.
It is not easy to be obedient in this “forgetting was lies behind” but it holds much blessing when we listen to our heavenly Father that so loves us. He knew that looking back would cause salt pillars in our life, as an oversupply of salt can be very bitter and awful to the mouth, it can burn your stomach and make your cheeks suck in, and it can dry out your bones metaphorically too. When we look back the grudges and resentments we have built, the bitter taste in our mouth is God reminding us of the Grace of the Blood of Jesus that washed those salt pillars away, and we realize that the price Jesus paid, took away the consequences of unforgiveness as well, therefor it is better to not look back!
I challenge you to choose today not to dwell on past mistakes of yourself or others, this will give you confidence and help you develop a sound attitude to a forward moving life.
As soon as you experience your mind wandering to the past or what happened yesterday that was negative, re-direct your thoughts to a forward thinking approach wherein you deliberately decide to think of all the victories in your life, positive things that are “honorable, true and worthy of respect and confirmed by God’s Word” (Phil 4:8 AMP).
In your Life Enrichment Growth Journal © write down 5-10 things that you are grateful for every morning. Say it out loud, read it again.
(By doing this gratitude exercise every morning and just before you go to sleep reading it again, and replacing your negative thoughts with positive thoughts of gratitude, will guarantee a re-shaping of your brain structures (1)).
Elvira
Just Live coach
elvira@justlive.co.za
Footnote 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrcntl7Jsm0
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