What Does The Bible Say About Moving Forward?
Life often brings challenges and setbacks that can feel overwhelming. You may be going through a difficult season and wondering how to press on. The good news is that the Bible has a lot to say about moving forward during tough times.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Bible encourages believers to move forward in faith, rely on God’s strength, focus on eternal hope, and walk in obedience and surrender to God’s will.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore key verses and passages across both the Old and New Testaments that provide perspective and instruction on moving forward when life gets hard. We’ll cover biblical principles on trusting God, embracing hope, letting go of the past, obedience, and more.
Trusting God to Guide Your Steps
Proverbs 3:5-6 – God’s Wisdom and Guidance
Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of the most well-known passages about trusting God’s guidance. It says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This powerful verse reminds us that God’s wisdom is far greater than our own. When we trust Him completely rather than relying on our limited human understanding, He will lead us on the right path.
Many Christians take comfort in the promise that God will “make your paths straight” when we commit our way to Him. Even when we cannot see where life is taking us, we can have confidence that the Lord is directing our steps if we are submitted to Him.
He sees the full picture and knows what is best for us, even when our vision is narrow and limited.
Psalm 32:8 – The Lord Instructs and Teaches
Psalm 32:8 declares “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” This illustrates God’s personal and patient guidance in our lives. As a loving Father, He takes it upon Himself to instruct, teach, and counsel us in the right direction.
The psalmist describes the Lord’s “eye” being on us, meaning He is constantly watching over and attentive to our situation. What a comfort that we serve an engaged, caring God who desires to lead us! He actively communicates with us through His Word, the counsel of others, circumstances, and His still small voice in our spirit.
As we walk closely with Him in prayer and obedience, He promises to personally guide our way.
Isaiah 30:21 – God Directs Our Path
Isaiah 30:21 further confirms God’s desire to directly lead His people: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” What wonderful imagery of God’s clear direction!
He promises we will hear His voice telling us the right path as we seek His will. What comfort that the Lord Almighty Himself instructs us which way to walk.
This verse also indicates God’s patience with us. When we are prone to veer off course to the right or the left, He gently corrects our direction and keeps us on the straight and narrow way. As long as we are submitted to God’s authority with a heart to follow Him, we can trust that He will clearly direct our way even in confusing situations.
He promises to guide us each step if we acknowledge and depend on Him.
Relying on God’s Strength
Isaiah 40:29-31 – Waiting on the Lord’s Strength
Isaiah 40:29-31 reminds us that even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles. This passage encourages us to rely on God’s strength when our own strength fails.
When we feel exhausted and overwhelmed, we can turn to God in prayer and ask Him to renew our energy, perseverance and joy. As we wait patiently for the Lord, He renews and refreshes us. What an amazing promise!
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – God’s Grace is Sufficient
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, God tells Paul that His grace is sufficient and that His power is made perfect in weakness. This passage reminds us that when we are weak, then we are strong because we rely on God’s strength.
Even when we feel inadequate on our own, we can move forward in God’s abundant grace. His grace is enough to help us face every challenge and trial. As we admit our limitations, God’s power works through us powerfully.
We can be content in our weaknesses, because then we fully depend on Christ’s strength.
Philippians 4:13 – Christ Strengthens Us
Philippians 4:13 declares “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds us that on our own we lack strength, but with Christ’s power in us, we are empowered to move forward.
When we feel unequipped and unqualified to accomplish God’s will, we can remember that Christ gives us His strength. We are not expected to rely on our own abilities, but to completely depend on Jesus to enable us.
When we surrender control to Him, He will strengthen and equip us for every task He calls us to. We can boldly step forward, knowing Christ lives in us with power and might.
Focusing on Eternal Hope
Romans 8:24-25 – Hope Anchors Our Soul
In Romans 8:24-25, the apostle Paul reminds believers that hope in Christ helps anchor our souls during difficult times. Though we suffer in this present age, we can find strength by setting our hearts on the eternal glory to come.
As 1 Peter 1:3-9 discusses, we have a “living hope” in Jesus and the inheritance he promises us for eternity. This allows us to rejoice even in seasons of grief and pain.
One key way hope anchors us is by giving meaning to our present struggles. As Romans 8:28 promises, God works all things together for the good of those who love him. Even suffering can be used to refine our faith and make us more like Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Clinging to our eternal hope helps us see purpose in pain.
Hope also anchors us by reminding us suffering is temporary. Paul contrasts this “light and momentary affliction” with the “eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” awaiting us (2 Corinthians 4:17).
We can endure anything for a season, when we understand Jesus is coming back to make all things new (Revelation 21:5). This hope lifts our eyes above the storms of life.
Titus 2:11-14 – Live in Hope of Christ’s Return
Titus 2 encourages followers of Christ to live sober, upright lives in hope of Jesus’ return. Verse 13 describes waiting for “our blessed hope,” meaning Christ’s second coming. Knowing Jesus could return at any moment motivates us to holy living, as we want to be found ready and about our Master’s business (Luke 12:35-40).
Hope in Christ’s return also inspires us to godly service. While we wait, we have opportunities to use our gifts and talents to serve others, spread the gospel, and bring God glory. According to the parable of the talents, Jesus commends good stewards who work diligently for the kingdom in hopes of their Lord’s coming (Matthew 25:14-30).
Living in light of Christ’s imminent return helps believers avoid worldly passions and distractions. We remember this age is passing away, so we set our hearts and treasures on the world to come. As C.S.
Lewis wrote, “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” Our eternal hope spurs us to godliness and good works here and now.
1 Peter 1:3-9 – Hope in Our Inheritance
1 Peter 1 highlights the “living hope” believers have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Christ conquered death, we can hope in sharing His indestructible, eternal life (1 Peter 1:3). This energizes us to rejoice amidst grief and trials, seeing pain as temporary but glory as eternal (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Our living hope also centers on the inheritance reserved for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). All God has promised those who trust in Christ – no more tears, pain, sin or death – awaits us for eternity (Revelation 21:4). Such an incredible future bolsters believers in hard times.
As Romans 8:18 declares, “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.”
This eternal inheritance is “shielded by God’s power” (1 Peter 1:5). Nothing can separate us from His love or steal our hope (Romans 8:38-39). Even when we do not see or feel God’s presence, we can rest in this confident hope until His salvation is fully revealed at Christ’s return (1 Peter 1:8-9).
Our unwavering inheritance gives hope.
Walking in Obedience and Surrender
John 14:15 – Obey God’s Commands
In John 14:15, Jesus tells his disciples, “If you love me, keep my commands.” This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commands as an act of love and surrender. When we obey God, we are putting His will before our own and yielding to His authority in our lives.
Some key points about obeying God’s commands:
- Obedience brings blessing and favor – God blesses those who listen and obey Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
- Obedience is an act of love – It shows God that we love Him and want to honor Him with how we live (John 14:21)
- Obedience leads to true freedom – When we obey God, we come out from under the burden and bondage of sin (John 8:31-32)
As Christians, God calls us to obey His Word and to walk in surrender to His commands each day. This honors Christ’s sacrifice for us and allows us to experience the joy and blessing of an obedient life.
James 4:7 – Submit to God
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This verse speaks to the importance of submission and surrender to God’s authority.
To submit means to yield or consent to the power of another. As Christians, we are called to submit fully to God’s lordship over our lives. This means:
- Making Jesus the Lord of every area – our thoughts, actions, relationships, finances, career, etc.
- Dying to self-will and personal ambition that conflicts with God’s will (Luke 9:23)
- Making decisions based on seeking and obeying God’s direction through prayer and studying Scripture
The blessing of submission to God is that when we humble ourselves under His mighty hand, He lifts us up and guides our steps (1 Peter 5:6-7). Submitting to God also enables us to resist the lies and temptations of the enemy.
As James 4:7 promises, when we submit to God and stand firm in our faith, Satan will flee. Through submission and surrender, we walk in freedom and victory.
1 Peter 4:1-2 – Live for God’s Will
1 Peter 4:1-2 provides this encouragement: “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”
These verses remind us that when we suffer for Christ, we die more and more to sin and self. As a result, we can live out the rest of our years on earth seeking not our own desires, but God’s will. Key ideas here include:
- Christ suffered bodily so that we could be dead to sin and live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24)
- When we share in Christ’s sufferings, it changes our mindset and values to be more aligned with God’s Kingdom priorities (Matt. 16:24-26)
- We are to live intentionally for God’s will, not our human appetites and ambitions
Letting Go of the Past
Philippians 3:12-14 – Forgetting What is Behind
In Philippians 3:12-14, the apostle Paul encourages believers to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. Paul explains that he has not yet reached perfection, but continues to press on toward the goal in Christ Jesus.
This passage reminds Christians that dwelling on past mistakes, sins, regrets, or hurts can hinder growth and progress. God calls us to repent, receive forgiveness, and move forward in His grace and strength (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Clinging to the past leads to stagnation, while letting go enables forward movement with the Lord.
Isaiah 43:18-19 – No Longer Remember the Former Things
Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares His ability to do new things and urges His people not to dwell on past events. Isaiah 43:18-19 says to forget former things, stop dwelling on the past, and be alert to the new thing God wants to do.
This highlights the importance of letting go of what lies behind, including past pain, disappointments, and sins. God can redeem the past, but believers must release it to Him and open their hearts to His restorative work.
Dwelling on the past limits one’s ability to fully receive the new blessings and purposes God desires to bring forth.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – In Christ, You are a New Creation
2 Corinthians 5:17 explains that in Christ, believers become a new creation. The old has passed away and the new has come. This underscores that positionally, Christians have a new identity and future in Jesus.
While Satan may try convincing believers they are defined by past failures, God says the old is gone and they are made new in Christ. Believers must walk in this truth, leaving behind old mindsets, habits, and sins. Through Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, the stain of the past is washed away.
Christians can boldly let go and walk in the freedom and future Christ has secured.
Conclusion
Life often brings pain, uncertainty and tribulation. With God’s truth as our guide, we can move forward in faith and hope. Trusting in God’s sovereignty and relying on His strength, we can let go of the past and walk in obedience to His ways.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He will lead you to abundant life as you seek His kingdom first.
The Bible reminds us again and again that with God, nothing is impossible. Take courage, stand firm in your faith, walk in obedience and surrender. God promises to complete the good work He began in you. Keep moving forward – the best is yet to come.
