The end of another year.

It can be a time of mixed emotions as we look back and assess all that the year has brought us. Joys and sorrows; highs and lows.

Being able to reflect temporarily can be a good thing as we cultivate thankfulness for all that God has done in our lives or brought us through.

There is a fine line, though, between temporary reflection and getting stuck in the past that we should be wary of.

The Scriptures give us some sharp examples of people who obsessed over days gone by and, as a result, were crippled in their ability to thrive in the present and successfully move forward.

The children of Israel were professionals when it came to fixating on the past. It hindered them every time they bumped up against trials while navigating the wilderness with Moses.

“Why did you ever bring us up from Egypt to kill us and our children…with thirst?” (Exodus 17:3)

“Who will feed us meat? We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt…” (Numbers 11:4-5)

“Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water…” (Numbers 21:5)

“It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” (Exodus 14:12)

Their unwillingness to let go of the past and move forward cost them their joy, peace, prosperity, and ultimately, their lives. Their bitterness and resentment held them hostage in the present and they never got to see or enter the promised land God had so graciously prepared for them to enjoy.

We can be tempted to do the same, can’t we?

Especially in today’s world where everything looks so uncertain, scary, and hard. It can be easy to fantasize about the “good old days” or long for a time when the human race seemed more peaceful, respectful, kind, and gracious. Or, our circumstances were more comfortable and sure.

Solomon in his wisdom advises us not to let our minds linger long there, though. “Don’t say, ‘Why were the former days better than these.’” (Ecclesiastes 7:10)

Why? Because time moves forward and, ultimately, so do we.

We were created with eyes in the front of our heads for a reason. Our Creator intentionally made us to look forward, move ahead, walk towards the future, and press onward.

Paul said it best, “…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

As we close the door on 2022, I pray that you would be able to reflect on everything God has done in your life during the last year. And then, that you would be able to leave all of it at the foot of the Cross – the good, the difficult, and the heartbreaking.

May you truly look forward to 2023 with God’s grace, strength, help, and abundant promises of love, peace, and care!

Until next time, Grace and Glory…and Happy New Year!