Once, a traveler decided to pack for every possibility on their first trip abroad. They started with essentials but soon added items for unforeseen circumstances.
As they journeyed, the burden of their heavy luggage became apparent, hindering their movement and enjoyment. Eventually, they realized that by trying to prepare for everything, they were actually enjoying less.
The lesson was clear: simplicity often leads to a richer experience.
As we transition into today's blog post, let's consider how this applies to our lives. Much like the traveler, we often encumber ourselves with worries and material burdens. This story isn't just about travel; it's a metaphor for life, urging us to focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.
As we stand at the beginning of 2024, it’s time for transformation. Last year likely held disappointments and setbacks, but you didn’t come this far to only come this far.
The question is, are you ready to step into it?
Last year likely held disappointments and setbacks, but you didn’t come this far to only come this far.
Taking Stock: What to Leave Behind from 2023
I get it—the weights of the past year are heavy. Every letdown added a stone to the backpack you’re carrying. Anxiety about the future built a fog obscuring where God wants to lead you. Bad habits and false narratives locked you into ruts that feel inescapable.
As you reflect, what specifically do you need to leave behind in 2023? Here are some ideas:
- Regrets and disappointments that hold you in the past instead of moving you into the future. Every perceived failure feels like a brick weighing down your backpack. But God sees them as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.
- Worries and anxiety that obscure where God is leading rather than trusting His perfect timing. The fog of uncertainty tempts us to stand still rather than take steps of faith.
- Destructive habits and narratives that chain you in place rather than freeing you to grow. Comparison, scarcity mindsets, compromise – these shackles often deceive us into thinking we can’t change.
Naming these weights provides freedom to drop them so you can travel light into the year ahead. Ask God to highlight what you need to leave behind right now. Journal it, pray over it, and then picture placing it at the foot of the cross.
As you reflect, what specifically do you need to leave behind in 2023?
Charting the Course: What to Carry with You into 2024
While reflection helps us let go of the past, we also need vision for the future. In God’s Word we find the map to move forward even while we leave weights behind.
Isaiah 43 says not to dwell on the past or what was. God is doing a new thing! So what should you carry with you into the new year?
Purpose
Disappointment morphs into purpose when we grasp God’s forward-looking plans for our lives. Orient your daily actions around contributing to God’s larger story in 2024. Begin and end each day asking, “How can I join what God is doing around me today?”
Patience
Worry shifts into patience and trust in God’s timing, which is always perfect. Move from passive waiting into active trust that God sees the full picture. When anxious thoughts arise, replace them with promises of God’s sovereignty from Scripture.
Courage
Destructive patterns transform into courage when we walk in step with the Spirit. Keep taking risks to grow in 2024, even if you have to whisper “try again” to yourself at the end of hard days. Write down 2-3 courage goals for the year related to relationships, work, fitness, etc.
Kindness
Weed out harmful words and sow the language of love through little acts of service. Fill your heart and calendar with kindness. Perform one loving act daily for a week. Then make it a habit all year long.
Hope
Cling to the anchor for your soul—the promise that with Christ, your best is yet to come in the year ahead. Memorize motivational verses to renew your hope when doubts creep in.
These signposts show we’re on the road of transformation with Jesus. Let them guide you into breakthroughs in the coming year.
Isaiah 43 says not to dwell on the past or what was. God is doing a new thing! So what should you carry with you into the new year?
Embracing The Journey
Our God specializes in making all things new. He has a blank canvas waiting for you in 2024! Will it take work to realize God's vision? Absolutely.
Changing deep-rooted habits requires discipline, courage, and perseverance. But we don't labor alone. God paves the path through Scripture, mentors, and the everyday nudging of the Holy Spirit if we listen.
While I don’t know all that’s ahead for you, I know this, friend: the God who began a good work in you is faithful to carry it on to completion. This year holds something new - a chapter filled with blessings and divine appointments.
Step into it with courage and expectation, trusting the Author to guide your steps. God is already crafting the story.
Say yes to the journey!
This post was inspired by last Sunday's message "You Didn’t Come This Far To Only Come This Far," which explores how we can leave behind weights and walk in renewal during this season of new beginnings. If you missed it, you can catch the full sermon here on YouTube.
Changing deep-rooted habits requires discipline, courage, and perseverance.
