The past, whether full of good or bad memories, can often be a deterrent to our progress in following the path of God into His future for us.
Generally speaking, when we cling to the past, we do so out of comfort because it is what we already know. Another reason is because we internally focus on what our own needs are and the steps we must make to get there. Again when we look to ourselves it is what we already know..., comfort zone. The future has yet to play out. So when we begin to walk into the future, we can sense fear, anxiety, and out of control because we don't know exactly what tomorrow may hold. That's why we must trust God, and allow ourselves to become passionately fixed on our future..., Jesus Christ. We need more than ourselves..., we need God!
When we shift our focus onto Christ, the "things of earth will grow strangely dim" because our problems and/or tasks are not our primary point of interest. That's what giving our lives to Christ truly means. My old life died when I committed my life to Christ, and now I have a future that is full of prosperity, safety, and hope. My new life is my future. Think about it..., our focus is no longer on the problems of the world, but he answer to them! Wherever we aim, or wherever we focus, that is where we'll end up! I choose not to focus on all my troubles full of stress, pain, and exhaustion. I choose to focus on Christ full of peace, healing, and strength.
Every second that unfolds is a step into my future because as I pick up my feet, God is setting them down right where I need to be. I know if I follow God today, when I wake up tomorrow, I'll be exactly where I need to be to receive the blessings of God. However, I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. That's why I still have to trust God.
Trust God with all you are, and don't lean on your own understanding (You won't have everything figured out. Trusting involves only the unknown, not the known.) In all your ways acknowledge God (Make Him the center of attention in your life.) Then He will make your paths straight (He will faithfully guide you into the future He has for you...which is way better than we could ever ask, imagine, or think!). I think I've heard that scripture before.
So if you want to experience something new in your life. Let go of the past. That doesn't mean retaining the wisdom and knowledge of lessons learned. It means not solely relying on yesterday to get you through today.
I'm grateful for my godly heritage through my family, church, and denomination. However, I need to experience and know God for myself. God's future for me is gloriously tailored specifically for me, and I intend to do my best following Jesus all the way into my mind-blowing eternal future!
My family absolutely loves Christmas! We actually went this past Tuesday to cut down our tree (yes, real trees are the only way to go!). We went to a tree farm we have never been, and boy we had a great time. We did a search for tree farms in our area and found Ralph K. Bell Christmas Trees.
We called the number and heard a gentle gravely voice answer by saying, "Ralph K. Bell here." Mr. Bell has been in the tree business since the 1940's and he turn 92 years young this year. I had an incredible time carrying wisdom-filled conversations with him as we together walked around his tree farm. His sons do help him, however, Mr. Bell will tell you that he starts trimming and shaping the trees in the summer. All of his trees are perfectly shaped Christmas trees.
Mr. Bell, at 92 years of age, is full of life. He moved around better than a lot of people I know. Not only did he move around well, but so did his 1946 Jeep (the first line of civilian Jeeps released!). If you live in my area and are going to go cut down a tree, consider visiting Mr. Bell's farm (by the way every tree on his farm is $29. He was upset that he recently had to raise the price a few bucks!)
Here's the finished product...
