Vision For the New Year: Forgetting the Past

by Teresa^(1,655) Bronze Star

This year, like pretty much every year, had its ups and downs. There was accomplishment and regret; joy and sorrow; gain and loss. Each year I tell myself that next year will be better - I said that at the end of last year - and here we are, can you relate?

All week one of my favorite passages of Scripture has been at the forefront of my mind, so I thought I would share it with you.

"Not that I have already attained, or am perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself as apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward for those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" Philippians 3:12-14

What does this mean in English? Simply this; I am not perfect. During this past year I have made some stupid and sinful decisions and I have made some wise and Godly decisions; I have blessed others with words of encouragement and I have hurt them with thoughtless words and selfish deeds. The thing is, I have sought forgiveness and have learned to do things better next time around. The truth is, when any of us cling too tightly to the past, we have no room in our hands to receive the new that await us.

This is especially true in our relationship with God. We don't need to pretend to be perfect, but we better not be using this fact as an excuse to sin and we should seek to do better - for ourselves and for those we love.

Today I can see many benefits to the struggles of last year and I welcome the blessing which came from them. Same goes for my accomplishments. I know I am rambling here, but I do have a point - bare with me.

Forgetting the things that are behind me, does not mean pretend they didn't happen or wish them away, for to wish the year away, is to dismiss all that helped us become stronger - good and bad.

Instead, it means to let them rest in a quiet place in our hearts so that we may reach for them in time of need; build upon them and grow even stronger. Whether it be as parents, as husbands or wives, single, or as employees.

My encouragement to you and to myself is this - reach foward with hearts and eyes wide open to embrace the opportunities that God will lay before us. Live realistically, knowing that a rough time or two or three will come upon us. Use them as tools to grow; enjoy and embrace the good that will come and don't deny yourself a good cheer when things go well.

May your vision of the New Year be sweet - May God grace you with your needs and give you courage when you find yourself on your knees.

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Amen

Teresa

Article submitted Thursday, December 31, 2009 & read 497 times.

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» left by Kathy from Eugene, OR (2 years 38 days ago.)

Amen! May the Lord bless your new year with all of your new adventures.
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» left by Cathy from Clearwater, FL (2 years 38 days ago.)

Ditto, my friend. May God give you more blessings than you could ask for or imagine. Happy 2010!!!
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» left by Teresa^(1,655) (2 years 36 days ago.)

Thank you :-) May He return soon!!

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» left by Brian Farrell⁽²⁴⁵⁾ (2 years 38 days ago.)

Thank you, Teresa. I love how God's grace so effortlessly shines through you. Your post made me think of two things. One, resting in the finished work of Christ. Just continuing this walk with the Lord and letting Him work it out! I remember a Pastor saying that our walk with the Lord over our lifetime is not a sprint but a marathon. How true! And your words also brought this Scripture to mind: "Now godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6)."

May the Lord bless you greatly in this new year and decade!
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» left by Cathy from Clearwater, FL (2 years 38 days ago.)

Brian,

I loved your comments, those words could not be more true.

Cathy

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» left by Teresa^(1,655) (2 years 36 days ago.)

Hi Brian, thank you - I am humbled. Thanks especially for adding these truths, they give so much more depth to my thoughts. I appreciate and praise the Lord for your continued obedience and obvious love for the saints. Blessings! Teresa

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» left by Linda DeWitt (2 years 37 days ago.)

I pray that you may prosper in all areas of your life in this new year. God bless and keep you. Linda D
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» left by Teresa^(1,655) (2 years 36 days ago.)

Thank you Linda - and all of your family as well. Thank you for all the encouragement you give to others!

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» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (2 years 35 days ago.)

How about not forgetting but looking at the past through the most incredible redemptive "glasses" the Lord can give you to see through - it is Him and His deliverance, grace and mercy! Then we can truly focus on the past and though face down on the ground be lifted up with arms raised PRAISING Him who is ABLE!!!! (having read your other piece!!!)Marijo
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» left by Teresa^(1,655) (2 years 30 days ago.)

Amen Marijo - thanks for adding this perspective. So true! Thanks for all of your encouraging words and support.

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