“Don’t look back” is a common phrase that means not to dwell on the past or to let past events or experiences hold you back from moving forward. It suggests that one should focus on the present and the future rather than getting stuck in regrets or nostalgia.
This phrase can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the context. For instance, it can mean not repeating the same mistakes or failures of the past and instead learning from them and moving forward.
It can also mean not holding grudges or resentments towards people or situations in the past, as this can prevent you from being happy in the present.
“Don’t look back” can be seen as a call to let go of the past and to focus on what you can do in the present to create a better future for yourself. It is a reminder that dwelling on the past can hinder your growth and progress, and it is essential to keep moving forward with a positive and forward-looking mindset.
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Don’t Look Back Bible Verse
Genesis 19:26
But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
Luke 9:62
Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 17:32
Remember Lot’s wife.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 3:13
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Isaiah 43:18
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Genesis 19:17
And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
What Does The Bible Say about Don’t Look Back
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 10:39
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Hebrews 10:17
Then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Proverbs 14:14
The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
Isaiah 43:18
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Don’t Look Back in The Past Bible Verses
Genesis 19:26
But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
Luke 9:62
Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 17:32
Remember Lot’s wife.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 3:13
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Isaiah 43:18
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Genesis 19:17
And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Bible Verses about Leaving The Past Behind
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert
Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Isaiah 43:18-19
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.
Galatians 2:20-21
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 9:62
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
bible verse doesn’t look back. Look forward
Philippians 3:13
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Isaiah 43:18
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Genesis 19:26
But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
Luke 9:62
Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Genesis 19:17
And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”
Why God Doesn’t Want Us To Look Back
God doesn’t want us to look back because dwelling on the past can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from moving forward in our relationship with Him.
When we constantly look back, we may become fixated on our past mistakes or regrets, leading to guilt, shame, or hopelessness. This can cause us to lose focus on our present circumstances and the blessings God has in store for us.
In addition, looking back can cause us to become too attached to worldly possessions or relationships, distracting us from our relationship with God. We may become complacent and satisfied with our current state rather than seeking to grow and improve in our faith.
Instead, God wants us to focus on the present and the future, trusting in Him and His plan for our lives. We should strive to learn from our past mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than dwelling on them.
In Philippians 3:13-14, the Apostle Paul encourages us to forget what is behind and press on toward what is ahead, striving to know Christ and become more like Him.
Bible Characters Who Looked Back
A few Bible characters looked back and suffered consequences as a result. Here are some examples:
- Lot’s wife – As mentioned earlier, Lot’s wife looked back towards the city of Sodom as they fled and was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).
- The Israelites in the wilderness – In Numbers 14:1-4, the Israelites complained to Moses and Aaron about their situation. They desired to return to Egypt, where they had been enslaved. Their lack of faith and trust in God’s plan led them to wander the wilderness for 40 years.
- King Saul – In 1 Samuel 15, God commanded King Saul to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions completely. However, Saul spared the king of the Amalekites and some of the livestock. When confronted by Samuel, Saul made excuses for his actions and regretted not receiving Samuel’s approval. However, his guilt was not genuine, and his disobedience caused him to lose his throne and favor with God.
- Demas – In 2 Timothy 4:10, the Apostle Paul mentions that Demas, one of his fellow workers in the gospel ministry, had deserted him because he loved the world and had gone back to Thessalonica.
These examples warn against the dangers of looking back and not fully trusting God’s plan. They remind us to focus on our relationship with God and strive toward spiritual growth in the present and future.
Sodom and Gomorrah Don’t Look Back
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible is a well-known example of the warning “Don’t look back.” In Genesis 19, the story tells of how God decided to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness. A lot, who was a righteous man, lived in Sodom with his family and was warned by two angels to flee the city before its destruction.
As Lot and his family were fleeing, the angels warned them not to look back. In Genesis 19:17, one of the angels said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”
Unfortunately, Lot’s wife disobeyed the warning and looked back toward the city as they fled. As a result, she was turned into a pillar of salt.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah warns against being too attached to worldly possessions and not fully trusting God’s plan. It also highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands and warnings.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a reminder to trust in God’s plan and to obey His commands, even when they may be difficult or inconvenient. It also warns against being too attached to worldly possessions and distractions, which can hinder our relationship with God.
