Happy New Year! I took a few days off but wanted to share a brief reflection with you to offer a word of encouragement as we move into a new year together. May the Lord richly bless you in 2025. I look forward to sharing more with you in this new year.
The text I’ve been reflecting upon for this new year is from Paul’s encouraging and challenging words in Philippians. His words from Philippians 3:12-14 remind us of the thrill of pursuing Christ. It really is a word of encouragement for anyone who desires to follow our Lord with renewed vigor and joy.
Pressing On Toward the Goal
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it 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. (Philippians 3:12-14).
Paul’s words here are full of life and energy. He speaks not as a man complacent in his faith but as one who’s running a race, his eyes fixed on the finish line. The language of “pressing on” and “straining forward” captures the excitement and determination of someone fully alive to the purpose God has set before him.
This passage reminds us that the Christian life is not static - it’s a dynamic journey. We’re called to keep moving forward, always pursuing Christ, not because we’re striving to earn his love but because we’re responding to it. Paul’s confidence comes from the fact that Christ Jesus has already made him his own. This truth - that we belong to Christ - fuels our perseverance and fills us with hope.
Forgetting What Lies Behind
Paul’s instruction to “forget what lies behind” is an invitation to release the past - both the triumphs and the failures. Too often, we allow past mistakes to weigh us down, or we rest on the laurels of past accomplishments. But Paul encourages us to focus on what’s ahead.
This doesn’t mean ignoring the lessons of the past but refusing to let it define or limit us. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and he calls us to walk forward in the freedom and power of his grace.
Straining Forward to What Lies Ahead
Paul’s description of “straining forward” conveys both effort and anticipation. The Christian life requires intentionality and discipline, yet it’s marked by a profound sense of joy and hope. The “prize” he speaks of isn’t a fleeting reward but the eternal joy of knowing Christ fully and being with him forever.
As you begin this new year, consider what it might look like to strain forward in your own life. What steps can you take to know Christ more deeply, serve him more faithfully, and reflect his love more clearly? Every day offers an opportunity to grow closer to him, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Reflection Questions
What are the “things that lie behind” in your life that you need to release to God - whether past successes, failures, or regrets? How might letting go of these things free you to pursue Christ with greater focus and joy?
What specific steps can you take this year to “press on toward the goal” in your spiritual life? Consider areas such as prayer, Bible study, serving others, or deepening relationships in your community.
What does the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus” mean to you personally? How does this vision of your ultimate purpose shape your daily decisions and priorities?
A Prayer for the New Year
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of a new year and the promise of new mercies each day. As I step forward into this season, help me to release what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. Strengthen me to press on toward the goal, knowing that Christ has made me his own. Fill me with the joy of your presence and the power of your Spirit as I pursue you with all my heart. May this year bring greater love, deeper faith, and unwavering hope as I follow you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
I pray this devotion will be an encouragement to you as you embrace the adventure of following Christ into this new year. The journey ahead is full of promise, not because of our strength, but because of his. Press on, dear friends, with the assurance that he goes before you and walks beside you. Happy New Year!
Your brother in Christ,
Dale
Happy New Year! 😊
Thank you for wonderful words to begin this new year! Looking forward to all of this year’s possibilities!