“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
(Isaiah 43:18-19)
As one year folds into the next, our souls often carry the weight of the past mingled with the possibility of tomorrow. In these moments of transition, we are invited to pause and ask hard but essential questions: What am I clinging to that no longer serves me? What burdens—unforgiveness, disappointment, or regret—can I release to step freely into the future God has prepared?
This season beckons us to acknowledge something profound: I’ve made it this far. Every scar, every stumble, every triumph has brought us to this moment. But now the question arises: Where do I go from here? To move forward with clarity and hope, we must first make peace with what lies behind us.
The Call to Forgive
Unforgiveness is like an anchor, tethering us to pain we were never meant to carry forever. Imagine running a race while dragging a heavy chain—progress becomes impossible. Over time, I’ve learned that forgiveness isn’t about excusing the wrongs done to us. It’s an act of faith, a declaration that we trust God to handle justice while we release the weight that binds us.
Who in your life needs forgiveness—including yourself? Forgiveness clears the path to love and freedom. It doesn’t erase the harm but frees your heart from reliving the hurt. As Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This release creates space for the joy and beauty God intends for us.
Dreaming Beyond the Pain
“Dreams take flight and soar beyond the bleak, beyond the clouds that darken sight, to see the destiny on the horizon you have been born for.”
When we cling to bitterness or rehearse old narratives, we choke out the dreams God has placed in our hearts. But when we loosen our grip on past grievances, something beautiful happens—our vision clears, and hope reawakens.
What if you shifted your focus from what’s been lost to what still remains? As Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Nurture that seed of possibility. Even the faintest hope can blossom into a brighter tomorrow when watered with faith.
Running the Race Before Us
Hebrews 12:1 challenges us to “strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” For some, these weights are tangible: toxic relationships, bad habits, or routines that no longer serve us. For others, they’re intangible—fear, self-doubt, or unresolved pain. These burdens may feel familiar, but they rob us of the endurance needed to run our race well.
What if this year you chose to lay those burdens down? What if you prayed, Lord, I don’t know what’s next, but I trust You’re already there? Surrendering control isn’t easy, but it’s liberating. When God brings something to light, He also equips us with the tools, faith, and strength to walk through it.
A New Year, A New Hope
The new year is a blank page, ready for a story only God can help you write. Trust Him as the ultimate storyteller, letting go of the need to control every twist and turn. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
There’s profound beauty in beginning again. The Way Maker is already carving a path through the wilderness, inviting you to follow. Embracing the new requires courage and faith—a faith that whispers, This could be the year everything changes.
Practical Steps for Moving Forward
- Assess Your Heart
Reflect on the past year and ask yourself:- Is there anyone I need to forgive?
- Where do I need to release anger, regret, or disappointment?
- How can I extend grace to myself?
- Name Your Dreams
Write down your hopes for the new year. Allow yourself to dream boldly, unhindered by past fears or failures. - Find Your People
Surround yourself with encouragers—people who challenge and uplift you. A strong, supportive community can strengthen you in ways you never imagined. - Focus Forward
Shift your gaze from obstacles to the horizon. The best is yet to come, but you must choose to see it. A change in perspective can change everything. - Invite God Into Every Step
Don’t journey alone. Bring God into your plans, struggles, and celebrations. Trust Him to work all things together for good, even when the path seems unclear.
The turn of the year is a sacred threshold—a time to reflect, release, and renew. It’s a moment to ask, What can I let go of to run freer? What can I embrace to run farther?
As you step into this new season, may you find the courage to forgive, the faith to dream, and the strength to run. Life is too precious to carry burdens God never intended you to bear. Let this year be a testimony to the God who makes all things new, who turns mourning into dancing, and who invites us to live with audacious hope.
So here’s to believing for the best—for yourself, for others, and for the journey ahead. Let’s step boldly into the new year, hearts renewed, faith unshaken, trusting that the best is yet to come.
