Skip to content
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
- Philippians 3:13
Now that we are three months into the new year, how is your year going? Has it gone the way you anticipated? Is it better? Worse? Change often demands that we let go. Letting go is never easy. We cling to comfort, old routines, and relationships because they feel safe. God calls us to release the past to embrace the future He has prepared.
We all go through seasons in our lives. Some are busy and time is short. Other seasons can be deafeningly lonely and quiet. Letting go requires courage. It is not a single act, but a process of daily surrender. It is trusting God when we don’t see the way out. We don’t know what He is doing in our lives or why things have gone awry.
It brings to mind, Lot and his wife. God told them to leave a wicked city. In Genesis 19:26, Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt for disobeying God. She looked back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and longed for her old life. That disobedience resulted in the loss of her life. God is good. He does love us. However, is also holy and He wants our obedience, not to be mean, but because His ways are for our best.
We must confront our attachments, fears, and the stories we tell ourselves about why we cannot move forward. When we choose to release control and trust God, we make room for His plans. Change is an act of faith and trust in God. It is a choice to believe that what lies ahead is better than what we leave behind. How do we know that? Because this earth and what we are doing here, is just preparation for heaven. The question that convicts me most is have I displayed the Lord today?
God promises hope and restoration. Even as we grieve what we leave behind, He replaces what is lost with blessings we could not have imagined. Just as winter precedes spring, every ending is the prelude to new life. The sweetness comes when we trust in Him.
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to let go of what is sinful in my life. Help me trust that You are leading me toward a future filled with hope, growth, and joy. Strengthen me to release fear, embrace Your guidance, and walk forward in trust and faith. Amen.
With Love,
Sherry Shepherd
Letting go isn't something we accomplish in a single moment—it's a daily choice to trust God with what we cannot change. Before you continue with your day, spend a few quiet moments writing your prayers, your hopes, and the things you're ready to place into His hands. As you do, you'll begin to see His grace carrying you forward one faithful step at a time.
Journal & Reflect
- What am I still carrying that God is asking me to release?
- Are past mistakes, regrets, or disappointments keeping me from experiencing God's peace?
- What has God taught me through the season I'm leaving behind?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Philippians 3:13 mean?
Paul encourages believers to stop allowing the past to define their future. Instead, we are called to fix our eyes on Christ, trusting Him as we continue growing in faith and pursuing His purpose.
How do I let go of past mistakes?
Begin by confessing them to God, accepting His forgiveness, and believing His promises instead of your regrets. Journaling can help you process your emotions while reminding you of His grace.
Why is journaling helpful when healing from the past?
Writing allows you to release burdens honestly before God, recognize how He's working in your life, and create a record of His faithfulness that you can revisit during future challenges.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the gift of new beginnings. When I'm tempted to dwell on past mistakes, disappointments, or regrets, remind me that Your grace is greater than my failures. Help me release what I cannot change and trust You with what lies ahead. Give me courage to move forward in faith, confidence to follow where You lead, and peace that comes from knowing my future is secure in Your hands. Thank You for making all things new.
Amen
Message from Kara
If you're carrying something from yesterday that's making it difficult to move forward, I hope today's devotional reminds you that God's grace is always greater than your past.
I've found that one of the sweetest gifts of journaling is being able to pour out my heart honestly before the Lord and then, months later, look back and see how faithfully He carried me through. The pages become reminders that His mercy truly is new every morning.
Wherever you are today, know that God isn't finished with your story. Keep trusting Him, keep taking the next step, and remember that His grace will meet you there. Praying for you.
With love,
Kara 🤍
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Red Floral Personalized Scripture Journal
If you’re still working through questions of who you are, these devotionals can guide you:
