“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? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
Bible Verses About Forgetting The Past
Isaiah 43:18-19 – God reminds us not to dwell on the past but to focus on the new things He is doing in our lives.
“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? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
Philippians 3:13-14 – Paul teaches us to forget what lies behind and focus on our calling in Christ.
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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.” – Philippians 3:13-14
2 Corinthians 5:17 – We are reminded of our new identity in Christ, making the past irrelevant.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Proverbs 4:25-27 – This passage advises us to focus our eyes ahead and avoid paths that lead to regret.
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” – Proverbs 4:25-27
Luke 9:62 – Jesus emphasizes the importance of commitment and not looking back.
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'” – Luke 9:62
Isaiah 1:18 – A beautiful invitation to leave our past mistakes and come to God for forgiveness.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Isaiah 40:1-2 – Here, God comforts His people, reassuring them of His forgiveness.
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” – Isaiah 40:1-2
Romans 8:1 – A reminder that there is no condemnation for those in Christ.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Colossians 3:2 – Focus on heavenly things rather than worldly regrets.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Jeremiah 29:11 – God promises hope and a future, encouraging us to leave our past behind.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus offers rest and a new beginning for the weary.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Galatians 5:1 – We are called to freedom, encouraging us not to get trapped by our past.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
Job 11:13-15 – Turning to God brings a future without shame for our past.
“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear.” – Job 11:13-15
Revelation 21:4 – A beautiful promise of a future without pain or sorrow, offering hope beyond the past.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Psalms 103:12 – God removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalms 103:12
1 Peter 5:7 – We can cast our cares upon Him, letting go of our past burdens.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Isaiah 61:3 – The promise of restoration and joy instead of sorrow.
“…and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” – Isaiah 61:3
2 Timothy 1:7 – We have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power and love.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
John 8:36 – If the Son sets us free, we are free indeed.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Hebrews 12:1-2 – Encouragement to run our race with perseverance, leaving behind everything that hinders us.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” – Hebrews 12:1-2
Romans 6:4 – We are buried with Christ and have new life.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4
Isaiah 38:17 – A reminder of God’s mercy and how He has removed our sins from us.
“Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” – Isaiah 38:17
James 4:10 – By humbling ourselves before God, He lifts us up.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Matthew 6:14-15 – Forgiveness frees us from the chains of the past.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
1 John 1:9 – God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Romans 12:2 – We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Final Thoughts
Forgetting the past can be challenging, especially when we’ve faced hurt or regret. However, the Bible reminds us that through God’s grace, we can let go of our former self and embrace the new life He offers. These verses remind us that we have a bright future ahead, and we are encouraged to focus on the present and the hope that lies before us. By placing our trust in God, we allow Him to guide us toward healing and renewal.
So let’s not dwell on the past but keep our heads up and our hearts open to the new life that awaits us in Christ. It’s never too late to start fresh and leave behind whatever holds us down. We can rise above our past failures and embrace the beautiful plans God has for us.
If you’re interested in exploring more uplifting topics, feel free to check out some Bible Verses About Encouraging Yourself or Bible Verses About Discipline for additional inspiration in your journey! We have so many resources available to help deepen your understanding and faith, so be sure to explore!