What will this new year bring to our lives? The Apostle Paul tells us this is the perfect time for every Christian to do three things in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it, yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Well, what are these things we should be doing?
First, we should forget the past. He said, “Forgetting what lies behind.” We should look at the past and learn from the past, but we must not live in the past. If you have failed the Lord, confess it, receive Christ’s forgiveness and move forward. No one of us can relive a single day in our past. Give your past to Jesus and move to step two.
Secondly, we should face the future in faith. Paul told us, “Reaching forward to what lies ahead.” We may not be able to change past, but we can do something about the future. This new year can be a fresh beginning with many God-given opportunities for all of us. God has a perfect will and plan for us, (Romans 12:2). Prayerfully set godly goals and seek God’s plans to achieve them in 2020 for His glory.
The third thing to do — we should focus on the Lord. Paul said, “I press on forward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Our first priority must be Jesus. We seek first His kingdom and righteousness in this coming year. We must determine to spend time with Him every day in Bible study, prayer, thanksgiving, praise and service. If we honor Him, He will bless us.
Let’s walk with Jesus Christ in 2020. Place our hand in His nail-scarred hand of love and grace: may our wonderful Lord and Savior’s blessings be upon you and your family.
Maybe this is the year He will return for us all.
Dr. David Bouler of Global Faith Ministries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, contributed this column to the Journal Review. He can be reached by email at debouler@aol.com.
