Life is full of changes.
Some of them are expected, like growing older or moving to a new home, but others hit us without warning.
Relationships end, dreams fall apart, and people we love leave our lives.
In those moments, we often ask ourselves, How do I move on?
The Bible has a lot to say about moving forward, healing from the past, and trusting God with the future.
God understands that change can be painful, but He also calls us to let go of what is behind and press forward with faith.
If you are struggling to move on from something in your life, let’s explore what Scripture says about finding peace and hope in new beginnings.
God’s Plan Includes Moving Forward
God never intended for us to stay stuck in the past.
He created life to be a journey, full of seasons that change over time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This means that just as there is a time to hold on, there is also a time to let go.
Holding on to past pain, regret, or disappointment can keep us from stepping into the blessings God has prepared for us.
Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us, “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.”
God is always doing something new.
When we focus too much on what we’ve lost, we might miss the new opportunities He is placing before us.
Letting Go of the Past
One of the hardest parts of moving on is letting go.
The past can feel like a weight, holding us back with memories of what was or what could have been.
But Jesus teaches that we cannot move forward while constantly looking behind us.
In Luke 9:62, He says, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
This verse reminds us that looking backward prevents us from fully embracing what God has ahead.
That doesn’t mean we should forget the lessons we’ve learned, but we should not allow the past to control our future.
Paul understood this well.
In Philippians 3:13-14, he says, “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.”
Paul knew that moving forward required focus.
We cannot run toward God’s best for us if we are still clinging to what is behind.
Healing from Pain and Heartbreak
Moving on is especially hard when it involves loss, heartbreak, or deep disappointment.
Maybe you have lost a loved one, gone through a painful breakup, or experienced a failure that shook your confidence.
God sees your pain, and He cares.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
God does not expect you to pretend everything is okay.
He invites you to bring your hurt to Him so He can heal your heart.
Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Healing takes time, but God promises to be with you through every step of the process.
He doesn’t just want you to move on—He wants to restore your heart so you can move forward in peace.
Trusting God with the Future
One of the hardest things about moving on is the fear of the unknown.
What if the future is not as good as the past?
What if letting go means losing something important?
The Bible reminds us that we don’t have to be afraid of what’s ahead, because God is already there.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God’s plans are always good, even if we don’t understand them in the moment.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust Him: “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.”
Letting go of the past is easier when we trust that God’s future for us is better than anything we are leaving behind.
Forgiving and Moving On
Sometimes, the biggest barrier to moving on is unforgiveness.
We hold on to bitterness, resentment, or regret, making it impossible to step into the new season God has for us.
Ephesians 4:31-32 tells us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting what happened or allowing someone to hurt you again.
It means releasing the burden of anger and trusting God to bring justice and healing.
Jesus set the ultimate example of forgiveness when He prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
If He can forgive those who hurt Him, we can ask for His strength to do the same.
Forgiving others and ourselves allows us to move forward without carrying the weight of past wounds.
Taking Steps Forward
Moving on is not just about waiting for time to heal things—it requires action.
God calls us to take steps of faith, even when we don’t feel ready.
Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When we start walking in faith, God provides the strength we need.
This could mean setting new goals, surrounding yourself with supportive people, or simply choosing to start each day with hope instead of regret.
Psalm 37:23 says, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.”
As long as we are walking with God, we can trust that He will guide us in the right direction.
Finding Peace in Moving On
One of the most beautiful promises in the Bible is that God gives peace to those who trust Him.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Moving on does not mean forgetting what happened or pretending that pain does not exist.
It means surrendering the past to God, trusting Him with the future, and allowing His peace to fill your heart.
Jesus says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
When we move on with faith, we can rest in the assurance that God is walking with us.
Final Thoughts
Moving on is not always easy, but it is necessary for growth.
The Bible teaches us that God has a purpose for every season and that clinging to the past can keep us from experiencing His best.
Letting go, healing, and stepping into the future requires trust, faith, and sometimes forgiveness.
But God promises to be with us every step of the way.
No matter what you are leaving behind, know that God has something new and beautiful ahead for you.
Trust Him, take a step forward, and embrace the new chapter He is writing in your life.