Declutter Now! 30 Day DevotionalSýnishorn

Stuck in the Past

There’s nothing that will rob us of a fulfilling future faster than being stuck in the past. Constantly replaying history, whether good or bad, distracts us from our current task at hand.

We all have memories. Some elicit giggles of happiness or tears of joy. Others may bring on feelings of pride and victory. Remembering past moments can be inspiring. Darker memories can prompt sorrow, anger, frustration, and anxiety. Regardless of the type of memory, they consistently surface. How we handle them, however, determines the future outcome.

Most have enjoyed family gatherings where laughter erupts while reminiscing about fun family times. It’s okay to acknowledge past accomplishments. And learning from our mistakes is vital as lessons from previous experiences can help chart a more positive course for the future. Memories, in the appropriate context, are helpful, constructive, and in many cases, super enjoyable.

But clinging to painful memories or constantly lamenting over what ‘used to be’ is debilitating. Memories that bump up our self-pride or crush our self-worth are equally as destructive. Living trapped in the past, good or bad, is never a beneficial choice.

In Philippians 3, Paul urges Christians to press on; to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. This same advice applies to us today. We are called to concentrate on the here and now; to look ahead and rejoice in all that the Lord has in store for us.

What will you declutter? Inhibitions, restrictions, and distractions which prevent you from experiencing all of God’s future blessings for your life.