There are so many times we hang onto fragments of our past—things from our youth, moments in time. We use these as defining moments that shape our identity. When we think about those memories—some are so good, they are turning points—they can serve as reminders of God's work in our lives. Maybe you remember the first time you experienced the love of Jesus, or the day you were saved. Those are sacred moments, fragments of time that changed the trajectory of your life.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. — 2 Corinthians 5:17
As we look in the rearview mirror, some are not so good. We ask ourselves: What are we holding onto? What are we ready to release? There are other fragments—moments or words that aren’t from God. Perhaps from a young age, you were told, "You'll never be good at this," or "You can't do that." These words become fragments of our identity, shaping how we see ourselves.
We can choose to claim those words as truth, or we can cast them down.
Take every thought captive to obey Christ. — 2 Corinthians 10:5
Maybe these words or memories have lingered so long that they feel like scars—like that old scar from falling off your bike when you were five, still faint but ever-present. That old identity, the lies spoken over you, are like scars that Christ wants to heal. There is a time to look in the rearview mirror, but also a time to focus on the windshield—on the future ahead. We hold onto moments and fragments, but we also have the power to let go of what no longer serves us.
Forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. — Philippians 3:13
So ask yourself:
What are you holding onto? What lies do you need to release?
Let those burdens blow away in the wind as you set out on a new journey. When you look through the windshield, take only what is good and meaningful—leave the rest behind. As we step into this new year, let us release what is not from God and hold tightly to who He calls us to be.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. — Jeremiah 29:11
How do we discern what is from God? We read in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
"Imagine a newborn baby—pure, full of potential. If you wouldn’t tell that baby, "You’ll never amount to anything," then don’t speak such words over yourself. Instead, speak words of life and hope. If the words you speak to yourself are not ones you would say to that innocent child, then they are not from God.
Cast them aside—rebuke them and let them go. God has so much planned for you.
For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. — Philippians 1:6
So, step into your car, turn on the radio, look through the windshield, and imagine all the places God will take you this year. Trust in His plan, and move forward with faith and hope.