Stop Looking Back: Embracing The New With The Holy Spirit

The other day, I was taking a walk with my young nephew. His small hand rested in mine as we strolled down the road. But as we walked, I noticed something- he couldn’t focus on the path ahead. Instead, he kept turning back, fascinated by the sound of passing cars. Whenever he heard one approaching, he’d turn to see what kind it was, completely distracted from the road beneath his feet.

At first, I gently reminded him to keep his eyes on where we were going so he wouldn’t trip and fall. But he kept turning back, unable to resist the curiosity of what was behind him. I was just about to get irritated when, at that very moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to me. How often do we do the same thing in our spiritual walk? We desire the new thing God is doing in our lives, yet we keep turning back instead of moving forward.

We turn back, longing for old connections that no longer serve us.

We turn back, reminiscing about past careers that felt more familiar.

We turn back, feeling out of place in the new season God has placed us.

We turn back, looking for reassurance in what’s comfortable rather than trusting the One leading us.

But just as I was holding my nephew’s hand, guiding him safely down the road, the Holy Spirit is also holding ours. He is our ever-present help, gently instructing us, showing us the way, and keeping us from stumbling. Yet, we are often too distracted to hear His voice, too caught up in what’s behind us to embrace what’s ahead entirely.

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? (Isaiah 43:18-19).

God is calling us to move forward. God is always at work, leading us into new places, new opportunities, and new levels of faith. But we must be willing to trust Him and keep our eyes forward. The past may be familiar, but the future is full of His promises, which are Yes and Amen in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20). There is no uncertainty about what God has spoken. There will be a performance of His Word.

Today I encourage you to let go of what’s behind you. Stop looking back. Take hold of God’s hand and trust Him to lead you into the new thing He has for you. The road ahead is more significant than anything you’ve left behind.