Pressing Into the New Year: Running with Purpose
Subtitle: Fixing Our Eyes on Christ in Every Season
The beginning of a new year can evoke a variety of emotions. To many people, it symbolizes new chances for development, beginnings, and a sense of hope restored. Others may experience a sense of transition, reflection on the past year, or a quieter period following the holidays. Approaching a new year does not necessitate certainty about the future; rather, it involves moving forward with intention and confidence, trusting that the path ahead is already prepared.
The Christian life is characterized by progressing forward with grace rather than dwelling on past regrets. Paul emphasizes that the focus of our journey should be on purposeful direction rather than the pursuit of perfection.
Key Scripture:
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
Additional Verses:
• “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” — Philippians 3:13 (NIV)
• “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” — Hebrews 12:1–2 (NIV)
• “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
• “So I run with purpose in every step.” — 1 Corinthians 9:26 (NLT)
Scripture Reflections:
Philippians 3:13–14 — Forgetting What Lies Behind
Paul acknowledges he has not arrived. He is not perfect. But he is purposeful. He chooses to release the weight of yesterday—failures, disappointments, even past victories—and lean forward into what Christ has ahead. Living as a Christian means focusing on the present and future, rather than dwelling on the past. Life is experienced by placing trust in the One who guides us on our journey.
Hebrews 12:1–2 — Running with Perseverance -The race of faith is long and sometimes slow. We are encouraged to let go of every burden, such as fear, regret, and distraction, and focus our attention on Jesus. Not at our pace. Not on our performance. On Him. He began this work in us, and He will finish it.
2 Peter 3:18 — Growing in Grace – Growth is not loud or dramatic. It is steady, gentle, and often unseen. Every season—joyful or difficult—becomes a classroom where Christ teaches us more of Himself. As we enter a new year, we grow not by striving harder, but by abiding deeper.
1 Corinthians 9:26 — Purpose in Every Step – Paul’s words are simple but powerful: purpose in every step. Not perfection. Not speed. Purpose. Each day becomes an opportunity to walk intentionally with Christ—seeking Him, trusting Him, following Him. Every little step counts when you take it alongside Him.
This New Year… (With Story)
A dear older friend once told me that every January 1st, she would lace up her walking shoes and take a slow lap around her neighborhood. She was not trying to exercise. She simply called it her “first step of trust.”
One year after losing her husband and facing health challenges, she did not feel like walking at all. But she said, “I needed to remind my heart that God was already in the year ahead. So, I took one step. Just one. And that was enough.”
She did not walk because she felt strong. She walked because she knew she was not walking alone.
This New Year may feel like that for you—one step at a time. Whether you feel ready or reluctant, energized, or weary, hopeful, or uncertain—Christ meets you here. You do not run alone. You do not step into the unknown without His presence. The year ahead may hold surprises, but none of them surprise Him. And He will give you strength for every step, even the small ones, even the trembling ones.
The past is behind you. Grace is beside you. Christ is before you.
Press on.
A Song for the Journey
One time during a church worship service, this song struck me in a way I was not expecting. As the congregation sang, something in my heart settled—as if the Lord was gently reminding me, “You don’t walk into this year alone.” The song was “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” by CityAlight.
It beautifully captures the heart of pressing forward—not in our own strength, but in Christ’s steady, sustaining grace. It’s a reminder that every step we take, every burden we carry, and every hope we hold is upheld by Him.
A Practical Step
Choose one small “first step of trust” this week.
It could be:
- writing down one prayer for the year ahead
- taking a short walk while thanking God for His presence
- calling someone who needs encouragement.
- reading one of the Scriptures above each morning
Do not aim for big resolutions. Aim for one faithful step.
Let this be your way of saying, “Lord, I’m moving forward with You.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for walking with me into this new year. Help me release what lies behind and embrace what lies ahead. Teach me to run with purpose, to grow in grace, and to fix my eyes on You. Strengthen me for the journey and steady my heart in Your presence. Amen.
