God calls His people to move forward in faith, leaving behind the past and embracing the future He has prepared. Dwelling on the past can hinder progress, but trusting in God’s plans brings hope and purpose.
The Bible is filled with encouragement to press on, let go of past failures, and walk in the newness of life. Through His strength, believers can overcome regret, fear, and uncertainty.
When we fix our eyes on Christ and His promises, we find the courage to move forward, knowing He is leading us toward His perfect will.
Powerful Bible Verses About Moving Forward, and Not Looking Back
1. Philippians 3:13-14
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
2. Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
3. Luke 9:62
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
4. Genesis 19:26
“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”
5. Hebrews 12:1-2
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
6. Proverbs 4:25-27
“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”
7. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
8. Exodus 14:15
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.”
9. Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
10. Psalm 37:23-24
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”
11. Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
12. Deuteronomy 31:8
“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
13. Psalm 23:3
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
14. Job 17:9
“The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.”
15. Joshua 1:9
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
16. Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
17. Lamentations 3:22-23
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
18. Proverbs 24:16
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”
19. Psalm 30:5
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
20. Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
21. Galatians 6:9
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
22. Proverbs 16:9
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”
23. 1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
24. Isaiah 26:3
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
25. Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
26. James 1:12
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
27. Psalm 55:22
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
28. Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
29. Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”
30. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
31. Hebrews 10:35-36
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
32. 2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
33. Psalm 145:18
“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
34. Romans 15:13
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
35. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Our Thought on What the Bible Says About Moving Forward, and Not Looking Back
The Bible teaches that moving forward in faith requires letting go of past mistakes, failures, and distractions. When we dwell on the past, we risk missing the new opportunities God has set before us. Instead, He calls us to trust Him, step forward with boldness, and embrace His plans with confidence.
Spiritual growth happens when we focus on God’s promises and direction, rather than being tied to old ways. Jesus Himself warns against looking back, emphasizing that those who follow Him must be fully committed to His path.
God has a purpose for every believer, and that purpose unfolds as we walk in obedience. By trusting in His guidance, we experience breakthroughs, renewal, and the fulfillment of His promises. Keep pressing forward, for He is leading you toward something greater.