What Looking Back Taught Me About Moving Ahead
Want a Joyful look back?
If you know me, you know I’m all about momentum. Vision boards, prayer journaling, pressing toward purpose—I live for the joy of the next breakthrough. But lately, I’ve realized something: in our pursuit of forward, we sometimes forget the sacred power of looking back.
Not looking back with regret—but with reverence. With gratitude. With awe at how far we’ve come by grace.
So today, I’m inviting you to pause with me. To take a deep breath. And to reflect.
Because here's the truth: sometimes the fuel you need to move forward isn't found in the next big idea or perfect strategy. Sometimes it’s found in remembering what God has already done—how He showed up, how He carried you, how He whispered peace when chaos tried to take over.
It’s so easy to forget, isn’t it? We’re often quick to notice what’s still missing, what still needs fixing. But when was the last time you celebrated your progress? Even the quiet wins? When was the last time you looked back—not to dwell, but to gather firewood for the journey ahead?
Why Looking Back is a Spiritual Practice
Reflection isn’t just a nice idea; it’s actually a biblical rhythm. Throughout scripture, God tells His people to remember. Not because He needs the reminder—but because we do.
Think about it: in Joshua 4, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God told them to gather stones and build a memorial—so that future generations would know, “God brought us through.” And guess what? The same God who parted waters then, is the same God walking with you now.
Looking back allows you to recognize the fingerprints of God in places you may have overlooked in the moment. It reframes your current battles. It reminds you: If He did it before, He can do it again.
This kind of reflection is spiritual firewood. It keeps your faith burning when the path ahead looks foggy. It anchors your joy in truth, not just results. And it reignites your passion when weariness starts whispering, “Why keep going?”
The Beauty of Progress You Didn’t Always See
Maybe this year didn’t look how you hoped. Maybe your dreams are still a little dusty. Maybe the goals you set didn’t all get crossed off.
But pause. Breathe.
Can we be honest? Progress doesn’t always show up in checkboxes or metrics. Sometimes progress looks like not quitting when you really wanted to. Sometimes it looks like getting out of bed with a heavy heart, but still showing up with integrity. Sometimes it’s finally setting a boundary, opening your Bible again, sending that one scary email, or simply choosing hope over hustle.
That’s real growth. That’s faith in motion.
And I believe that honoring your journey—your actual journey, not the highlight reel version—is one of the most healing, empowering things you can do for your soul.
Moving Forward With Renewed Fire
As we move ahead, here’s what I want you to carry:
- Faith that remembers. Faith that says, “God has been faithful, and He still is.”
- Fire that’s fueled by truth. Not hype. Not comparison. But the quiet certainty that you were made for this, and you’re not walking alone.
- Forward motion that’s steady and spirit-led. Not rushed. Not frantic. But anchored in grace, aligned with purpose, and lit with joy.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next step. And when you feel unsure, pause and look back. Your history with God holds clues for your future. Let it encourage you. Let it strengthen you. Let it send you forward with fire.
