December 31
Scripture: Phil 3:13-14
Source author: Jeanette Gardner Littleton
December 31
Pressing Ahead No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. —Philippians 3:13–14
The end of the year stresses me somewhat. I can’t help but think of all the things I planned to do that year—and didn’t get done. I not only think of goals I haven’t met and tasks I haven’t done, but also people I didn’t get to spend time with as I’d wanted to, birthday cards I didn’t send, and other ways I didn’t meet my goals of showing I cared. As I face the new year, I have to consciously put the old year behind me—its surprises, its disappointments, its failures, and even its successes. If I don’t consciously do this, I enter the new year so focused on the failures of the year before that I am hindered mentally and emotionally. Today I’m praying Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13–14. I’m asking God to help me forget the past, and to press ahead toward all that He has for me this year and beyond! I’m asking Him to help me remember and make time to do the things I need to accomplish, especially when it comes to showing love to the others in my life.
As you enter this new year, forget what’s behind you—and press ahead with faith and love. — Jeanette Gardner Littleton —