Toss It

Thursday, September 26

Toss It!

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. I Peter 5:7

Isaiah 43:18, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past,” (NIV) encourages us to move forward and not be held back by past experiences, failures, or even past successes. Just like that drawer filled with outdated cell phones and batteries reminds us of the things we no longer need but still keep around. Spiritually, we might be clinging to old habits, relationships, or attitudes that belong to our past. “Forget the former things” means to release past events, whether good or bad. It’s not about erasing memories but choosing not to be defined or limited by them. God wants us to let go of the past that hinders our growth and embrace the new things He is doing in our lives.

Dwelling on past mistakes can fill us with regret and guilt, paralyzing us from moving forward. On the other hand, dwelling on past successes can lead to complacency, causing us to miss out on new opportunities. God calls us to focus on the present and the future rather than being stuck in what has already happened. When we do this, we can then embrace God’s new work.  Forgetting the past means making room for the fresh work God wants to do. Holding onto the past can block us from seeing and experiencing what God is doing right now.

In essence, this verse is a reminder to release the weight of past failures, mistakes, or even past glories so that we can fully step into the new opportunities and blessings God has for us today. It’s an invitation to trust that God’s plans for the future are far greater than anything in the past.

God is always doing a new thing, but we must be willing to let go of the old. Today, ask God to help you release the past so you can embrace the future He has for you.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, help me release the old habits and memories that keep me from moving forward. I trust You are doing something new in my life. Amen