New Year, New You: Put the Past Behind You

One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:13−14

One of the main hindrances that keeps people from becoming what God wants them to become is their past. People often struggle to overcome past hurts and patterns of behavior.

Don’t let your past distract you. Your past is past. Today is a brand-new day.

Maybe you’ve had some setbacks. Maybe you’ve been knocked down dozens of times. That’s normal. You can still get back up and keep going. That’s what winners do: they get back up and run for the finish line, no matter how many times they stumble. They’re focused.

Consider talking out your memories with a friend who will listen and not judge. Ask them to pray for you. Then, if you feel stuck on something in your past, think about how God sees you now: He forgives your past, calls you His beloved, and promises to complete the good work He has begun in you.

Don’t let your past keep you from your future.

Food for Thought

You are a new creation in Christ, and God has called you to a heavenly prize.

Excerpted with permission from The Daniel Plan 365-Day Devotional: Daily Encouragement For A Healthier Life by The Daniel Plan Team, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

If you’ve been knocked down, had failures, experienced setbacks, and gotten discouraged, today’s a great day to get back up, dust yourself off, ask God for help, ask a buddy to walk with you, and keep going! We’re just a couple of days into a brand new year. Start fresh. God is with you! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We would love to hear from you about putting the past behind! ~ Devotionals Daily