Philippians 3:13-14, “ Brothers (and sisters) I do not consider that I made it on my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind, and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (emphasis mine)
As I look back at 2021 from my rear view mirror I find myself pondering a few things.
A life without regrets is one without mistakes.
A life without mistakes is one where no lessons are learned.
A life without lessons learned is one void of growth and maturity.
A life without growth and maturity is motionless.
Stagnant.
Lifeless.
Do I want that?
No!
Instead, let me praise God for the regrets, mistakes, and learn lessons.
Because I’m eager to learn. I want to push forward. I desire to see growth.
And I can leave the past where it is.
In my rear view mirror.
Today, right now, I can offer forgiveness and let go of bitterness. For every new day offers a fresh opportunity to mature in God’s love through His Word.
So let’s seize this moment together and say goodbye to 2021 and every other year before, and press on to what lies ahead.
Father God, thank you for the privilege of being here in 2022 to serve and worship You. Give us the discipline to leave the past where it lies, and to move forward into the goodness You have for us through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. May we keep our thoughts centered on things above not on things of this earth. For it is in You we find our hope and strength. To God be the glory. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Happy New Year!