As the year comes to a close, I can almost feel the weight of everything we’ve carried—our joys, our struggles, the moments of grace, and the moments of disappointment. It’s as if we’re standing at a crossroads, looking back on the road we’ve traveled, wondering what to take with us into the next chapter and what we need to leave behind.
I don’t know about you, but there are a few things I’m ready to let go of. The burdens, the worries, the regrets, and the unnecessary baggage that has kept me from walking fully in God’s purpose for me. And as we face this new year, I can’t help but think—what would it look like if we all stepped into 2024 a little lighter? What if we left behind the things that weigh us down, so we could fully embrace the fresh, beautiful opportunities God has prepared for us?
Here are some things we should consider leaving behind us in 2024:
1. Leave Behind the Weight of Worry
Ah, worry. It’s like that friend who just doesn’t know when to leave the party. But guess what? It’s time to show worry the door. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear” (Matthew 6:25, NIV). Easier said than done, right? But worry about tomorrow robs us of today’s peace. It makes mountains out of molehills and causes us to miss out on the abundant life God offers right now.
Instead of carrying the weight of worry, how about we trust God to carry it for us? As 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” As we look toward the future, let’s leave worry behind and walk into the new year with hearts full of trust.
2. Leave Behind Regret
Regret is a silent thief. It steals our joy, erases our peace, and traps us in the past. Maybe you’ve made mistakes. Maybe you’ve had some “if only” moments. We all have. Let’s not forget what Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV), “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: 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.”
Let’s leave behind the regrets of yesterday and run full-steam ahead into the promises of today. His grace is sufficient, and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
3. Leave Behind the Desire to Control Everything
Oh, the illusion of control. We’d all like to think we can steer our lives in the direction we want, but as we know, life doesn’t always follow our neatly constructed plans. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” It’s time to leave behind the tight grip we have on the wheel and let God steer us. After all, He’s been doing a good job without our input!
Let go and let God. Step into the new year knowing that He holds your future in His hands, and His plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11).
4. Leave Behind the Need to Please Everyone
Ah, yes. The constant juggling act of trying to keep everyone happy. But here’s a revelation: it’s impossible. Jesus didn’t please everyone, and neither will we. We’re called to live for an audience of One. As Paul said in Galatians 1:10 (NIV), “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
So, as we enter the new year, let’s leave behind the exhaustion of trying to live up to everyone else’s expectations. Let’s focus on pleasing God and trusting that when we do that, everything else falls into place.
5. Leave Behind the Fear of the Future
The future can seem uncertain, and with that uncertainty often comes fear. The Bible offers us this comforting promise: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).
Instead of looking ahead with fear, we can step into the future with confidence, knowing that the God who holds our past also holds our future. His plans for us are far better than anything we could imagine.
A New Year, A New Beginning
As the clock ticks down and the new year approaches, let’s make a conscious decision to leave behind the things that weigh us down. Let’s step into the new year with hearts full of faith, trust, and anticipation of what God will do. The past is behind us, and the future is full of possibilities. We don’t have to carry the burdens of yesterday; God’s mercies are waiting for us every day.
So, as we say goodbye to the old and hello to the new, let’s choose to leave behind the worry, regret, the need to control, the pressure to please, and the fear of the future. And as we do, we will walk into a new year, lighter, freer, and more ready than ever to embrace all that God has for us.