“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on.” (Phil 3:13–14)
Letting Go Before the New Year
As the year draws to a close, many of us pause to reflect. While reflection can be helpful, it often reveals burdens we have been carrying for far too long. Therefore, before stepping into a new year, it may be time to let go.
A Story About Carrying What We Don’t Need
I remember a simple story. A man was walking along a country road, carrying a heavy knapsack. A car drove past him, stopped, and slowly reversed. The driver offered him a lift. Overjoyed, the man climbed into the car.
However, after a while, the driver noticed something strange. The man was clenching his teeth and sweating. He was still holding onto the heavy load. When the driver asked him to put it down, he finally did. Immediately, he felt the relief.
Sometimes, we are not very different.
Burdens From the Past We Still Carry
As the year ends, it is worth asking ourselves some honest questions. Are you still carrying burdens from the past? Perhaps it is the words of someone who hurt you. Maybe it is a promotion you were passed over for, a job you did not get, or a disagreement that never found resolution.
Even when we move forward in time, unresolved burdens can slow us down spiritually. As a result, every step requires more effort than it should.
Choosing to Trust God Enough to Let Go
God invites us to place our burdens in His care. Scripture reminds us that we can cast our burdens on the Lord. Yet, letting go is not easy.
We often tell ourselves, “You don’t know what they did to me.” And that may be true. Still, the deeper question remains: do we trust God enough to handle what we release to Him? Do we believe He judges fairly and acts justly?
Letting go is not forgetting. Rather, it is choosing to trust God with what we cannot fix ourselves.
Leaving the Burden Behind
As you prepare to enter a new year, consider what you need to release. Unforgiveness. Bitterness. Envy. Jealousy. Obsession. Sin. Whatever it may be, leave it behind.
You were not meant to carry it into the next season.
A Short Prayer
Father, forgive me for stubbornly holding on to burdens I was never meant to carry. Help me to release them into Your hands. As I step into 2026, give me new vision and renewed trust. I want to live fully according to Your purpose for my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Leave a Reply