This morning, I find myself reflecting on the paradox of time—the way the past, present, and future weave together to shape who we are and who we are becoming. This paradox—this tug-of-war between honoring the past and releasing it—has been heavy on my heart as we close out this year and look toward the next.
Before diving into our next focus topic, I feel compelled to unpack this tension, as it will set the stage for our next post, where we’ll explore the intentions and direction we can set as we step into a new year. Let’s pause together and reflect on what it means to truly live in harmony with the past and the future—what it means to live fully in this present moment, shaped by our past but never confined by it, and always looking forward with hope.
I awoke today with a weight on my heart, rooted in a sense of hypocrisy—a tension between two ideas that seem at odds: the call to define reality through the Bible and its ancient laws, and the advice from spiritual and psychological perspectives that caution against dwelling on or “living with one foot in” the past. This tension led me to reflect deeply, not to cling to an egoic opinion about which perspective holds more value, but to reconcile how these seemingly opposing ideas might coexist in truth.
As I explored this, a question arose too loudly to ignore: What gives anyone the right to tell us we shouldn’t dwell on the past—even though it’s necessary to examine how the past has hurt us in order to evolve—when that same person bases their entire reality on an ancient book and the breakdown of laws and rules from a time 2,000 years past?
We’re often told to “let it go” or “move on,” yet the same voices insist we should live by principles written thousands of years ago—rules rooted in vastly different cultures. Why is it acceptable to cling to the past for guidance, yet taboo to revisit our personal past for healing?
The Bible itself encourages us to learn from the past.
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
This verse highlights the cyclical nature of history and underscores the importance of understanding patterns so we don’t repeat them. Reflecting on the past is not just helpful—it’s a godly pursuit of wisdom and insight.
To be fair, the school of thought that advises us not to “dwell on the past” often comes from a place of understanding the human tendency to remain stuck in cycles of shame, regret, or rumination. Dwelling on the past without purpose—replaying painful moments, refusing to let go of grudges, or defining ourselves solely by our wounds—does indeed hinder growth.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. (Isaiah 43:18)
This verse speaks to this idea of releasing the weight of what no longer serves us. But this guidance is not meant to dismiss the process of reflection and healing. Instead, it highlights the difference between being trapped in the past and actively engaging with it to find freedom. True teachers of this perspective often acknowledge this distinction, though it is often lost on those who have not studied or grasped the complexity of the human mind and behavior.
The past holds incredible value, offering insight and wisdom. Common sense—and some of the greatest minds in history—teaches us that repeating the past without understanding it is not growth but stagnation.
Consider the former things, those of long ago. (Isaiah 46:9)
This is a clear call to reflect and learn from what has come before. History repeats itself for a reason: either because we refuse to learn from it or because we try to rewrite or erase it altogether.
Healing the pain of the past is not dwelling on it. Healing is confronting what hurt us, understanding why, and using that knowledge to evolve beyond it. Dwelling creates stagnation, while healing fosters growth. Ignoring the past doesn’t solve the pain it caused; it buries it, allowing it to resurface in different forms, often more destructive.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
The past and the future are not at odds; they are deeply intertwined. The choices we make today—how we confront our pain, integrate its lessons, and move forward—determine the shape of our tomorrow. To heal, we must first allow ourselves to look back, not with judgment or shame, but with the intention of setting ourselves free.
For me, living in harmony with the past and the future means embracing both as vital parts of a greater whole. It means holding space for the wisdom of ancient teachings while allowing room to grow beyond their boundaries. It means honoring the scars of my history without letting them define my destiny.
Closing Thought
If anyone tells you to let go of the past, remember this: Healing is not dwelling. It is transformation. It is the act of taking the pain of yesterday and shaping it into the strength of tomorrow. And no one—not even those who claim the authority of millennia—has the right to deny you that journey.
The reconciliation of the hypocrisy I felt weighing on my heart this morning lies in this: balance. We honor the past by learning from it, but we do not remain confined by it. We embrace the future with hope, while allowing the lessons of the past to guide our growth.
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