"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But 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 (NIV)

You can't move forward carrying yesterday's weight. Some things from this past year need to stay in this past year. Regrets, grudges, failures, and disappointments weren't meant to follow you into the new year. God is offering you a chance to lay them down.

Paul had plenty of reasons to carry regret. Before he met Jesus, he persecuted Christians and approved of their deaths. His past was dark and violent. Yet he chose to leave it behind and press forward. He understood that holding onto the past would paralyze his future.

Imagine trying to run a race with a backpack full of rocks. Every step becomes harder and slower. You can't reach your full speed or potential. The weight drags you down and steals your strength. That's what happens when you refuse to release what God wants you to leave behind.

God isn't asking you to pretend the past didn't happen. He's asking you to stop letting it define your future. Forgiveness doesn't mean what happened was okay. Letting go doesn't mean the pain wasn't real. It means you're choosing freedom over bitterness and hope over hurt.

What are you still carrying that God wants you to release? Is it a relationship that ended badly or words that wounded you? Is it a failure that still haunts you or a dream that didn't come true? Write it down, speak it out loud, and surrender it to God. He's ready to take it from you.

Godseekers, the cross is where burdens go to die. Jesus already carried the weight of your sin, your shame, and your pain. Don't pick it back up and drag it into the new year. Leave it at the cross and walk forward free.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the freedom found in Jesus Christ. I confess I've been holding onto things You want me to release. Help me lay down my regrets, my unforgiveness, and my disappointments at the cross. Give me the courage to let go and the faith to move forward. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

1. What is one thing from this past year that I need to leave at the cross?
2. How would my life change if I truly let go of what I've been carrying?

Step of Faith

Today, I will write down one burden I've been carrying and pray a prayer of release, surrendering it fully to God.