Forgetting

Author: Pastor Thomas G. Wilson
April 20, 2020

Philippians 3:13 KJV [13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Regret is the second-most common emotion people mention in daily life, according to Psychology Today.  It is emotional torture to constantly attempt to rewrite history because of unfortunate events; its too late…history has already been written and cannot be revised. Life is far too short to waste even one second of it on regret.  In Philippians, Paul, one who had a past of tremendous hostility toward the church, encourages us to do this one thing…forgetting rather than regretting those things that are past.  You should not be overly harsh on yourself for past mistakes nor content with your past successful labors.  The Greek word translated forgetting is ‘epilanthanomai’, it means to be put aside, deliberately ignored, purposefully disregarded and completely forgotten.  The idea behind it is, something that is no longer applicable should not occupy mental real estate.  So, stop it!  Stop visualizing it, stop rehearsing the ‘what ifs’, stop reminiscing the bad feelings of regret.  Don’t continue to punish yourself.  Stop thinking about it!  Put it out of your mind.  Get it out of your system.  If you need to repent then absolutely do so.  Then immediately focus your attention on the vast possibilities ahead of you!  It’s the start of a new chapter in your story.  Your future has yet to be written and is rife with opportunities.  Thank God for the chance to make the most of the gift of life.  Reach forward to give your best to dreams you may have started over and over again.  Throw open your arms in faith and embrace the awesome future Jesus has waiting for you as you attentively follow Him step by step in the days ahead.

 

For further reading: 2 Sam.12:13-23

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