Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. (Philippians 3:13-14)
Many of us are inclined to look into the past when we start a new year–or any new beginning. We may regret the opportunities lost, the goals not achieved, the projects not completed.
This can make looking into the year that passed very discouraging. We have two options: become negative and feel defeated or become positive and make decisions for better living.
If we become negative, it can lead to despair and a feeling of hopelessness. This is not the good news of the gospel of Jesus. Hopelessness and despair will bring emptiness to our hearts. Making new decisions about the future can improve our situation, especially when coupled with prayer. Asking God to help us make good decisions and give us the power to overcome the spiraling effects of wrong thinking will lift our spirits.
To move forward, all we need to do is look back and remember how God has been faithful in the past. In order to do this and stay on the road that leads to improving our lives, we must do two things:
- Forget past failures and past attempts (these cannot be relived; they are gone forever).
- Reach forward to new things–Paul says that we must press toward the goal. If a goal is not reached, don’t discard it; make it new again. Don’t allow yourself to be defeated.
God can help us overcome the delusion that we have to do it alone. We can invite others to help us stay true to what we have committed to do.
Prayer Point: Whatever you do, don’t quit. Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us. As you pray, you can also send your prayer request to OurPrayer and we will join you in asking God to give you the power to overcome the thoughts that keep you living in the past.
God bless you!
