Devotional: What Do You Want in The New Year?
Friday Short Christian devotional for women – a Christian New Year message
Intro
This last year gave most of us a real ride. This is not abnormal because life is just that way. But, focusing on all the things life delivered in the past is not going to help you in the future.
As believers of Jesus Christ, we are not without hope. Our future will always be bright because we have a final destination that nothing else can compare to. Yet, we are still sojourners on this earth.
While we are here, we need to stay connected to the Lord and seek Him for wisdom to live out each day.
Scripture Focus for The New Year
“Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.” Philippians 3:13-14 (GNT)
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. “Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)
Reflections
It’s so easy to get stuck in the past, whether it’s the hard times or even the good ones. When life shakes you to your core, it can feel natural to see everything through a negative lens.
On the flip side, if you’ve had moments of success or joy, it’s tempting to keep looking back, wishing you could relive those days.
Either way, it can keep you from fully living in the present and moving forward.
Encouragement
Philippians 3:13-14 instructs us to keep from looking back and to focus on the future. So, I challenge you with the question: What do you want for the new year?
Is it more favor?
Growth in 1 or more areas of your life?
A closer walk with the Lord?
A complete overhaul of your life?
Whatever it may be, remember that God is always doing something new. He wants to partner with you as you press forward into His plans for your life. Take time to pray and seek His guidance.
Trust that with Him, your best days aren’t behind you. They’re ahead. Keep moving forward, one day at a time, with faith and expectation for what He has in store!
God Note
For every faith-based devotional I write, I want you to focus on the key message. So, I create what I like to call a note from God (because it is always based on scripture). This devotional was written to help you see into the new year; It’s about focus.
“Keep your focus on me. I’m your future. Leave the past behind.”
Consider pinning this to Pinterest to share this short devotion with other women of God.
Previous Christian devotional: Your Christian Year In Review (this ties in perfectly with this Christian Happy New Year message)
You can find all of my Christian devotions for women here.
