Looking Back by David Jeremiah

Thursday, December 28 Looking Back 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 movies, whenever a hero or heroine is running from danger and looks behind them, we want to warn them, “Don’t look back!” Looking back slows them down. When the year we are leaving behind is filled with regret and failure, it is tempting to ruminate on it.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 3

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. Peter moved past denying Christ to become the rock of the Church. Joseph surrendered the betrayal and loss of his family to serve God with passion and purpose. Regardless of what the past has held, turn your eyes to God. Trust His redemptive power for a new beginning. Two types of voices command your attention today. Negative ones fill your mind with doubt, bitterness, and fear. Positive ones purvey hope and strength. Which one will you choose to heed? Max Lucado