Letting Go of What Was
Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:13-14
Forgetting what is behind . . . I press on toward the goal. . . .
I remember cleaning out the garage one spring, determined to get rid of clutter. As I opened old boxes, I found items tied to painful memories—things I had held on to “just in case.” But I realized those things were taking up space, both physically and emotionally, and keeping me from moving forward.
Paul’s words hit home. He understood that looking back for too long—especially at guilt, regret, or even past achievements—can weigh us down. Moving forward in faith requires letting go of what was so that we can embrace what God is doing now.
It’s not that the past doesn’t matter, but it doesn’t have the power to define your future. Whether it was a mistake you made, an opportunity you missed, or even a version of yourself that no longer fits—God invites you to release it.
He’s doing something new, but your hands have to be free to receive it.
Start this new season with a heart willing to let go. Not because the past doesn’t matter, but because your future in Christ matters more.
Lord, help me to let go of the things that hold me back. Free me from the weights of yesterday so that I can walk boldly into what’s next. Amen.
About the author — Darrell Delaney
Darrell Delaney is a pastor, leadership coach, and co-host of ReFrame’s podcast ministry Groundwork. Shaped by a story that includes early responsibility in a home marked by addiction, and later seasons of burnout and renewal, Darrell is committed to helping people return to who they are in Jesus Christ so they can live with clarity, identity, and purpose. He is the founder of Strategic Design Consultants and creator of the Lead From Wholeness™ framework, equipping values-driven leaders to build healthy rhythms, resilient teams, and mission-aligned lives. Darrell is a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership. He and his wife, Kia, have three children. He enjoys family time, walking, reading, basketball, chess, and video games.
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