Looking Back With Hope

December 31 – January 1

Look Back With Hope

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

In horror movies, whenever a hero or heroine is running from danger and looks behind them, we want to yell at the screen, “Don’t look back!” Looking back slows them down. Looking back brings on fear. Looking back is never the answer. When the year we are leaving behind is filled with regret and failure, it is tempting to chew on it. Replaying every painful detail over and over in our head, thinking ‘What if?’

While there is value in learning from the past, there is danger in allowing failures and regrets to become our focus, or worse yet, to define us. Satan would like nothing more than for us to get caught in the past and forget God’s power and love. Jesus Christ brought God’s plan for forgiveness to completion on the cross. God’s forgiveness is a gift and a product of His grace. Regardless of what the past has held, turn your eyes to God. Trust His redemptive power for a new beginning.

Wishing you health, wealth, and new blessings to count each day in 2023.