It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me.

Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14

It’s the last day of 2019, and we made it through another year! But before we can begin something new, it’s often necessary to let go of what is old. Before we can begin a healthier way of eating, as many do this time of year, we must first let go of the old ways that were not good for our health. The same is true of our spiritual health. Sometimes we allow our negative habits and our thinking to hold us back. They keep us from growing spiritually and soaring into a positive future. So as we prepare to kick off a new year, let’s look at some old things that we must leave in 2019, and what God has to say about them, so we can step into a more positive, God-centered 2020. 

People pleasing. God wants you to worry only about what pleases Him, not what pleases other people. (Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10) 

Fear of the future. If you are truly trusting God, you understand that He always provides everything you need. You just need to lean into Him. (Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34) 

Living in the past. You can’t step joyfully into your future if you’re carrying heavy burdens from your past. Let them go! (The Lord says, “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it? Isaiah 43:18-19 NCV)

Constantly criticizing yourself. God dreamed you up and created you for His own purposes. So any self-criticism is actually God-criticism. (Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 GNT)  

Making assumptions about other people. God wants you to focus on truth, not opinions, and He calls you to love others. Period. (Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6 NCV)

As you say goodbye to 2019, say goodbye to all the negative habits of the year, as well. Then turn around, don’t look back, lengthen your stride, and run straight toward the goal: Jesus Himself! Happy Happy New Year! You are loved!