Let Go of The Past

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“No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62 [Amplified]

In farming, a plow is a tool that is used to break and turnover hardened soil. Usually, it is connected to a horse or an ox which pulls it forward while the farmer ensures straight furrows are created as he directs the plow with his hands. The newly turned over soil would then be suitable for planting seeds. The entire process of plowing requires complete dedication and attention. A little distraction results to poor work.

Jesus teaches us not to look back to whatever that is in the past. These could be our past mistakes, the things we continually regret about, our failures, the guilt, or the previous marriages or relationships that came to an end but you still think of various ways you could have done better. All these things are long gone; we still have the present and the future. Dwelling our mind in the past affects our present and future. Jesus knew that in order to stay committed in the present work that is before us, it is important that we let go of whatever that lies behind us.

Paul writes in Philippians 3:13, “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” The future still holds something good for you, something worth for you to enjoy. To enjoy the harvest of tomorrow, you must start by planting the seeds in the present. You may have had loses, pain, hurt, shame and guilt in the previous season, but that is all gone. You need to let go of whatever is in the past in order to receive the good that the future has for you. You have this new season to start over again. You have a new opportunity in the present to plant new seeds in the newly turned over soil. Do not miss the goodness of today by dwelling in the past. You cannot do anything about the past; but you can do something about the future while in the present.

Stay committed to the course; remember the plow (time) is still moving. New opportunities continue to present before you each day; when you stay focused you will notice such opportunities and make use of them. James Thurber writes, “Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.” In the present, it is where you will find God’s grace, love and joy. It is never too late to start over again.

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