Joyful Moments in Christ

Life can feel heavy with past mistakes, regrets, and the weight of daily struggles. In the midst of this, God invites us to press on toward the future he has planned, to trust that he is making us new, and to embrace the identity he gives us in Christ.

Philippians 3:12-14 reminds us that transformation is not about our own efforts but about surrendering to Christ and straining forward toward the upward call of God. Let’s say a prayer that will encourage us to rest in God’s love, release what is behind, and press on with joy toward the new life he promises.

A Prayer

Dear Father,

You are the one who transforms, taking what is broken and turning it into something new and beautiful, beyond anything I could ever imagine. Even better, you do this for me personally. You see my weaknesses, my failures, and my struggles, and you love me still. I praise you for your faithfulness, for your patience, and for your unwavering plan to make me more like Christ each day. Your ways are higher than mine, and your wisdom is perfect.

I confess, Lord, that I often resist your work in my life. I cling to what is familiar, even when it is harmful, and I fear the discomfort of growth. I forget that the path of transformation involves surrender, patience, and sometimes hardship. Forgive me for the times I hold back from fully trusting you and for the ways I allow past mistakes and regrets to weigh me down.

Thank you, Father, that you do not leave me as I am. You do not abandon me to my sin, and you do not let me settle for less than the life you intended. Thank you for Christ Jesus, who claims me as his own, who makes me a new creation, and who provides strength when I feel weak. Thank you for your Spirit, who guides me, comforts me, and fills me with joy even in the midst of struggle.

Lord, help me to make Philippians 3:12-14 my own. Help me to accept that I am yours and that my identity is secure in Christ. Teach me to forget what lies behind, release my regrets, and strain forward toward the good that you have planned. Strengthen me to press on daily, to pursue the upward call you have given me, and to live with joy in every step of this journey. May my life reflect your transforming work, and may others see the hope and renewal that come only from you.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Respond

Please pray a prayer about pressing on towards God’s call.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:

• Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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Related Resources

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.