Spring Forward: Adjusting More Than Just Your Clock

Today, in the United States, we are officially observing Daylight Saving Time. This is a practice where we move our clocks forward by one hour in the warmer months. And while I will miss the extra hour of sleep, I am eagerly awaiting the days with more sunshine.

Luckily, we live in an era where the majority of our phones, tablets, and computers can automatically update the time for us. Because let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like waking up the next morning and realizing you forgot to do it.

As I was thinking about daylight saving time, I realized that this concept has a deeper meaning that extends to our spiritual lives. Just as we would fall behind in our day-to-day activities if we kept our clocks set behind when the actual time was ahead, similarly, in our walk with Christ, there might be times when He calls us to move forward in a particular area. However, fear, disobedience, or our need to stay comfortable can cause us to continue operating in our former state-which can prevent us from seizing new and significant opportunities.

When God instructs us to press ahead, we need to take heed. He knows what He is doing even when we don’t understand.

Forget what’s behind. Reach forward to what’s ahead.

When Paul wrote those words, they came from the heart of someone who knew their purpose. He knew what God had called him to do. And though he admitted that he wasn’t perfect and hadn’t yet fully accomplished his life’s mission, he didn’t let that stop him from pressing forward towards the goal – the heavenly prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Pressing forward doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to completely forget about your past experiences. In fact, some of those experiences might have been instrumental in getting you where you are today. I often reflect on my past experiences as reminders of God’s grace and faithfulness. However, looking back at your past should never hinder your progress towards the future. I love the way one author’s commentary on Philippians 3:13 describes it:

                   “..he (Paul) would not allow any reference to the past interfere with the one great effort to win the prize. One running to secure the prize would not stop to look behind him to see how much ground he had run over, or who of his competitors had fallen or lingered in the way. He would keep his eye steadily on the prize, and strain every nerve that he might obtain it. If his attention was diverted for a moment from that, it would hinder his flight, and might be the means of his losing the crown.” (Barnes Notes on the Bible)

We must get in sync with God’s timing and instruction for our lives. I can recall times when there were relationships that I needed to move on from but kept going back and had to deal with the backlash of a broken heart. I have friends who know that it’s time to change directions professionally but the comfort of their current position keeps them from taking the next step to move forward.  Or maybe your heart is still sitting in a pool of unforgiveness over a wrong done when God is calling you to release it and move on.

Take some time to reflect and evaluate where you stand and which aspects of your life you need to let go of. No more wasting time looking back instead of springing forward into your future. Although it may be scary we cannot miss out on what God has planned for us. So know that I’m reaching forward with you, praying that God grants us the strength, peace, and willingness to follow His will.

Until next time!