Relational Issues: Caught Up in the Past

Last night someone shared that one of their hindrances in their relationship with God was their past. The more I think about this I can totally see how a person's past could greatly hinder the future of their relationship with God.

So often we allow past experiences to dictate our present. And this is not always a bad thing. It is good to look to the past as a tool for learning. For instance, we learn from our mistakes. We learn from having burned our hand on the stove that maybe we shouldn't touch it when it's hot. We learn from a friend being killed by a drunk driver that maybe it isn't such a good idea to drink and drive...or drink alcohol period for that matter. 

But what about when thinking about our past actually hinders us from moving forward? When focusing on our past keeps us from moving forward in our lives and our relationships with God?

It's like this...when you are walking...normally you look in the direction you are going. If you do look around it is only for a moment and then you look forward again. If I were to try and walk through the mall looking behind me while walking forward...it wouldn't be too long before I tripped and smashed my face or ran into some old lady causing her to fall into some old man who then falls into another person who then falls into one of those fountains that everyone throws the coins in. (That's a bit exaggerated but you get the point). We are most effective at walking forward when we are actually looking forward. The same is true in our relationship with God.

We will most effectively move forward in our relationship with God when we are actually looking forward to Him...not behind us into our guilt ridden past. We cannot allow past mistakes to keep us from moving closer into the arms of God. Once you ask for forgiveness...know that you really are. The Bible says that "If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)." 

Proverbs 4:25 says "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." Don't try to move forward in your relationship with God while looking back at all your past mistakes, mess-ups, and heartaches. Instead, look straight ahead into the heart of God and see His great love for you. Put your trust in Him and take your first steps forward.