Everyone has moments in life that are hard to let go of—past mistakes, losses, or missed opportunities. Yet the Bible reminds us that we are not meant to live in the past.
God calls us to move forward, to trust His promises, and to walk boldly into the new things He has prepared.
When we look back too often, we risk losing sight of what lies ahead. Just like Lot’s wife, who turned back toward Sodom and lost her life, looking back can prevent us from fully living in the freedom God offers.
These Bible verses about not looking back teach us how to release regret, embrace grace, and step forward with renewed faith.
35 Bible Verses About Not Looking Back
1. Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Explanation:
Paul teaches us to let go of the past and focus on what God is calling us to. Faith grows when we look forward, not backward.
2. 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.”
Explanation:
Jesus urges His followers to stay focused on their calling, not distracted by what was left behind.
3. Genesis 19:26
But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
Explanation:
This story reminds us of the danger of longing for the past instead of trusting God’s plan for deliverance and new beginnings.
4. Isaiah 43:18-19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Explanation:
God constantly renews and restores. Focusing on the past can blind us to the blessings of today and tomorrow.
5. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Explanation:
Faith in Christ brings transformation. The old life is gone; we are made new in Him.
6. Hebrews 12:1
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
Explanation:
We can’t run the race of faith while holding onto the past. God calls us to move forward with endurance.
7. Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Explanation:
Focusing on God’s direction keeps us from stumbling or being drawn backward.
8. Luke 17:32
Remember Lot’s wife!
Explanation:
Jesus warns us to learn from Lot’s wife—not to let the past keep us from the life God has for us.
9. Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds.
Explanation:
We are called to renew our minds and embrace the new life God offers daily.
10. Isaiah 65:17
See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered.
Explanation:
God’s promise of renewal shows that what’s ahead is far greater than what’s behind.
11. Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Explanation:
Guilt and shame from the past no longer define us when we live under God’s grace.
12. John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Explanation:
Christ frees us from sin and the weight of our past—allowing us to walk forward in freedom.
13. Micah 7:19
You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Explanation:
God doesn’t hold our past against us. His mercy wipes our slate clean completely.
14. Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Explanation:
God’s forgiveness is total and complete—we no longer need to look back with regret.
15. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.
Explanation:
God’s plans for our future are filled with hope, so we can leave the past behind with confidence.
16. Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Explanation:
Renewal happens daily as we let go of old thoughts and allow God to shape our perspective.
17. 1 Peter 1:14-15
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
Explanation:
Following Christ means letting go of who we once were and living as new people in His light.
18. Colossians 3:2-3
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Explanation:
Keeping our focus on God’s kingdom helps us move past worldly distractions and regrets.
19. Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Explanation:
In Christ, our old life is gone. The new life we live is rooted in His grace.
20. Psalm 37:23-24
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.
Explanation:
God establishes our path forward. Even when we stumble, He helps us keep moving ahead.
21. 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.
Explanation:
Confession and forgiveness allow us to release the past and walk in restoration.
22. Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Explanation:
Peace comes when we keep our minds on God’s promises, not past failures.
23. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Explanation:
God renews our spirit daily, giving us strength to focus on the eternal rather than the past.
24. Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Explanation:
Jesus teaches us to live in the present moment, trusting God for each day.
25. Psalm 40:2-3
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire.
Explanation:
God delivers us from our past and gives us a firm foundation to stand on.
26. Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Explanation:
God promises a bright future—encouraging us not to cling to what’s behind.
27. Ecclesiastes 7:10
Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
Explanation:
Longing for the past can prevent us from seeing God’s blessings in the present.
28. Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
Explanation:
God’s future for us is greater than anything we’ve left behind.
29. Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Explanation:
Every day is a chance for renewal through repentance and grace.
30. Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Explanation:
Christ calls us to live free from guilt, fear, and the bondage of our past.
31. 2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth.
Explanation:
Our hope should be fixed on the eternal future that God has promised.
32. Psalm 16:8
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
Explanation:
When our focus stays on God, we are steady and less tempted to look backward.
33. Job 17:9
The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.
Explanation:
Faith pushes us forward—strengthening us through every challenge.
34. Matthew 24:13
But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Explanation:
Endurance in faith requires looking ahead, not dwelling on what’s behind.
35. Revelation 21:4-5
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
Explanation:
God’s final promise reminds us to look forward to eternal renewal and restoration.
Final Thoughts
These Bible verses about not looking back remind us that God calls us to live with purpose and hope. The past—whether filled with mistakes, pain, or nostalgia—doesn’t define our future. Through Jesus, we are made new, forgiven, and empowered to press on toward His promises.
God is always doing something new. When we trust Him, He transforms our story and gives us strength to walk boldly into tomorrow.
Which verse inspired you the most? Share your favorite bible verse about not looking back in the comments below and encourage others to move forward in faith and hope.