The old circuit rider crossed the swollen river on the back of his horse. The water was swift and dangerous, and it took all the horse’s strength to make it across. He and his faithful animal both trembled as they came to the other side.

When he came back to the river crossing, the water was calm, but the horse refused to step into it. The old preacher patted his friend on the neck and said, “Your memory is better than your judgment.”

We too can become afraid to step onto a new path because we had a bad experience on the old road. Some have become afraid to trust and love because of past hurts and disappointments. We don’t have to let yesterday’s pain prevent us from faithfully walking the pathway of life today.

Jesus told us to remember Lot’s wife. She had the opportunity to leave the old life behind her, but she turned to go back. By not letting go of the past she refused to take the path that could have saved her. How can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Dear friend, if you are clinging to the ghost of the past, why not decide today to let go, and let God restore your joy, and make your life complete?

The Bible teaches us to forget what is behind and to press on. It is a noble forgetfulness that doesn’t hold tightly to past hurts and disappointments. May God help us to remember to forget some things.

“Faith begins by letting go,
giving up what had seemed sure,
taking risks and pressing on,
though the way feels less secure:
pilgrimage both right and odd,
trusting all our life to God.”