Read: Philippians 3:12-13; Psalm 103:7-13; Jeremiah 31:33-34

• Paul admits he isn’t where he wants to be in his experience with Jesus. But he says he FORGETS what is behind…
  • Do you have trouble forgetting? What in your life feels impossible to let go of and forget?
• In your journal (or mark in your Bible) list the characteristics of God found in Psalm 103.
  • I am overwhelmed by God’s undeserved goodness to me. What characteristic do you regularly experience in your relationship with God? What would you like to experience more often?
  • I am keenly aware that the Father image of God is very difficult for some people. Your own father may have been absent, aloof or abusive. My prayer is that God will show himself to be your loving Father in heaven as you open your heart to him.
• Read Psalm 103:12 and Jeremiah 31:34 again. What does God do with our sins?
  • If God forgets our wrongdoings, the ways we miss the mark – don’t you think it’s about time you did the same thing?

As you begin the new year, I encourage you to take inventory. What have you been holding on to relentlessly because it just doesn’t seem responsible to let it go? I believe it’s time. There might be some restitution or confession to make, but do it! And then forget what is behind so you can really start living!

Prayer:

Father, I am so tired of carrying this load of regret and shame. I want to lay it down at your feet. Show me what it means to forget what is behind so that I can really press into the life you want for me. Because of Jesus, Amen.