Run Toward the Goal of Joy in Jesus

            Have you had your Joy Juice today?  I think Joy Juice was the Apostle Paul’s drink of choice! He knew he needed it for the race he was continually running.

            In Philippians 3:13-14, we learn how Paul could remain so joyful. He was determined.   Listen to what he said: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

            All of us have a past.  We’ve all done things we are ashamed of and wish we could change. Paul tells us that we should put our past behind us, let go of the guilt and focus on becoming what God wants us to be.  One Bible scholar says, “Don’t dwell on the past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with him NOW.  Realize that you are forgiven and then move on to a life of faith and obedience.  Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ.”

            Put on your running shoes and don’t look back!  As we run the race together, may we each press on toward the goal for which God has called us.  Joy comes in forgetting what “was”…and basking in The Love and that “is”.

Take your eyes off the past and aim toward the goal of joy in Jesus Christ.