A New Year - The Ultimate Do-Over

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 KJV

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14 MSG

So many times in scripture, God sets aside the old and does something new in the lives of His children or commands us to do it for ourselves. When we are reminded He is the creator of time, it gives us a new perspective in which to see our days, weeks and so on.

At 12:01 AM each and every January 1st, we are given a gift from God to start again; to do something new. Philippians 3:13 tells us, as we move forward in our walk with God, we are to forget the things that are behind and move forward into the next season or the next year with God. He already knows His plan in its fullness, but He tells us to move forward into our personal unknown trusting Him and His plan without question. That’s easier said than done, but if He tells us to do it, then it must be possible – with Him.

When He tells us to forget those things that are behind, I believe He is referring to every single thing in our past; the past day, week, month, or even decade. Every time we are reminded of Philippians 3:13, it is a refreshed challenge to forgive and forget what’s in the past. I don’t believe it pleases God, nor does it do us any good to walk into a new year with old baggage. Think about it…human beings are created by God with the intuitive sense to walk forward and not backward. We are, by our creation, designed to look where we’re going and not where we’ve been. I believe much of the depression so many people struggle with around the holidays stems from regret of the past as much as it does dread of the future. We kick ourselves for the things we did or didn’t do while we simultaneously are terrified by the coming year because of the fear it will simply bring more of the same. Aren’t we a sad bunch!

But the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, promises us hope. We are called to walk in that hope. We are to briefly look back, forgive what needs to be forgiven and forget what needs to be forgotten. One thing is for certain, not a single speck of what lies back there can be changed. God promises us a new chance every morning we wake up and make a fresh start. His word assures us His mercies are new every morning. I believe, as followers of Jesus Christ, our mercies towards others should be new every morning – as well as mercy toward ourselves.

Father God, help me to face this coming year with a renewed hope and anticipation. Help me to not be defeated by what I see as struggles or failures, but to see them as opportunities to learn and grow in the knowledge of your grace, mercy and love. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.