With the kickoff of the new NFL season around the corner, every team starts with a fresh slate and an 0-0 record. Regardless of what happened last year, this season can be better and is filled with opportunity.
However, during training camp, there is this transition phase where players are focused on the upcoming season, and yet the results of last year still linger.
The media tends to ask them questions about last year's early playoff loss or the lackluster finish to the regular season. It can stir up frustrating memories and some of those losses are still hard to get over.
Since there aren't any new games, coaches are still using old game film to point certain things out and players are having to replay some of their mistakes. There is some value in reflecting on last season, as players can learn from the losses and personal mishaps.
But at some point, they must move on and embrace the season in front of them, instead of worrying about what happened last year and contemplating what could have been. They have to leave last season behind so they can be fully invested - both mentally and emotionally.
Each of us has a similar battle in the mind as we have our own thoughts about the mistakes we've made in the past. When we are reminded of these mishaps, we can either move on in grace and hope or continue to replay what happened and remain discouraged.
Of course, there is value in learning from poor choices so we don't repeat them, but when we continue to dwell on the past, it prevents us from embracing the new season in front of us.
So we have to ask ourselves: Am I spending more time thinking about what could have been, how I should have done things differently, and how someone wronged me…or am I leaving it all in the past and deciding not to look back at the situation anymore?
Remembering previous seasons isn't all bad, because it’s important to remember the positives and God’s faithfulness in the past to give us hope for the future. But even the great moments are over now, too, and God is doing something new in us and through us each day. We need to stop looking back.
The Lord says in Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT): “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Paul provides his forward-thinking perspective in Philippians 3:13 (ESV): “...But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…” Today, let’s ask God to help us focus on the now and the future. Knowing that the past is over, let’s believe He’s going to do something new. Our past may be filled with heartache, but if we fill ourselves with Jesus and trust Him for what’s next, we won’t have room to dwell on what’s already happened. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your redeeming power and Your willingness to make things new. Thank you for getting me through hard times, and I pray I won't let my past hold me back. Help me see Your faithfulness and allow it to keep my focus straight ahead. Thank you in advance for what You will do next. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What past circumstances in your life do you need to stop replaying and move forward?
What is something you’re missing out on today because you’re too focused on the past?
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