Happy New Year!
On Jan. 1st, I updated my facebook status to read:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Is. 43:18-19
Seemed like the perfect verse to usher in the new year along with Paul’s words from Phil 3:13-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Seems like starting a new year gives us opportunity to do a lot of forgetting.
Yet I also recall verses that tell me to do just the opposite – remember!
In fact, Isaiah himself who wrote “forget the former things” also wrote “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9
So what’s a girl to do?
Forget or remember??
Probably a little of both.
Alas, I find myself remembering things that have little value, hurtful things, foolish things, things that should be long forgotten. These are the things that Isaiah says to forget – “do not dwell in the past.” In Paul’s description of the race of life, these things are weights that drag us down and keep us from pressing on toward the goal.
What we are to dwell on, to remember, is the God that is like no other. The One who redeemed us when we were unworthy, the One who sustained us when we couldn’t go on, the One who grants us peace beyond understanding, the One who helps us to love the unlovable and who loves us unconditionally, the One who made us and REmade us.
The lyrics from one of my favorite bands Tenth Ave. North says:
You are more than the choices that you’ve made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You’ve been remade.
‘Cause this is not about what you’ve done,
But what’s been done for you.
This is not about where you’ve been,
But where your brokenness brings you to
This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.
You are more than the choices that you’ve made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You’ve been remade.
So in 2011, what will you remember? And what will you forget?
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:8-9
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Susan:
I intend to remember the good things. I also intend to forget the bad. But, it takes leaning on the Lord to do the latter.
Felt so hopeless looking for answers to my quisneots…until now.
Good post, good question. I will remember the good things and forget the bad… keeps my head clear and my joy complete!
Thank you for this post:) I am praying that your new year is awesome!
Hi Susan…good morning….. great word today… thank you for always being so faithful in sharing with us!!!!!!
Remembering you!!! My grandbaby will be born in NYC next summer and I plan to fly as many times as my husband will let me to be with it. I hope to see you!!! Best of years to you, Susan! Love you, Cheri