Journal Entry ~ 09/12/18

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:12-14

If you know me well, or you’ve read anything written by me, you know these verses speak to me. I find such encouragement in the words “press on.” No matter what I am dealing with, no matter where I am in life, these verses refocus my eyes on the ultimate purpose, and give me the strength to continue to move through my trial. Two little words bring to mind all that is written in this passage, and they have the power to bring me such peace - it’s why I say them so often. I let go of what's happened in the past and just continue to move forward.

We are not to focus on what is behind us, but we are to forever be looking forward to what is before us.  There is such freedom in forgetting what is behind. We don't need to stay locked in the box of our past because we are renewed in Him every day.  And we don't need to keep others locked in the box of unforgiveness from the past. What's done is done, it only hurts us to focus on the past. The world teaches us such different truths. We are taught that the past defines us, and we are taught to never let go of the hurt caused by others. But God’s Word keeps us challenged us to keep moving forward. There is such freedom in letting the past go and focusing on today. The past can bring discouragement, but there is hope in what lies ahead.

Press on is an active verb, requiring that we exert ourselves, grasping onto the heavenly hope from which so many blessings flow.  One of those blessings is encouragement. We receive encouragement as a free gift from Him when we press on and hold on to the hope, focusing instead on what He has done, not what we have done or those around us have done, focusing on what He is doing, and what He will do. I love how His Word has the power to bring me such peace.


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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