Refocus: Aiming for What Truly Matters This Year

Mid-Year Check-In for the Soul

Every January, we start the year with vague resolutions:

“Lose weight.” “Save money.” “Travel more.”

One of my own goals was to start journaling and stay consistent. I’m not talking about sermon prep. Journaling goes beyond that.

I even bought a brand-new journal. It lasted two days. I failed dismally at the resolution I’d set for myself.

A hunter who doesn’t aim hits nothing.

I was aiming at something, but with the craziness of life, maybe I didn’t value journaling enough to prioritise it.

Now that we’re halfway through the year, this is a good time to pause, reflect, and refocus. The Apostle Paul offers powerful direction for this kind of reset in Philippians 3:13–14.

1. Forget What Is Behind

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…”

(Philippians 3:13)

Paul isn’t asking us to erase the past, but to refuse to be defined by it.

Some of us are still haunted by regret, shame, or missed opportunities. Others are trapped in the comfort of past success, unwilling to risk again.

Either way, 2025 won’t be fruitful if we’re still mentally living in 2024—or even earlier.

Remember Lot’s wife? She looked back—and was frozen in place (Genesis 19).

Sometimes looking back doesn’t just slow us down—it stops us completely.

Our future can feel ‘frozen’ when the voice of our past speaks louder than our present.

🧳 What do you need to leave behind?

Guilt? Bitterness? Fear? Shame?

Even pride in past accomplishments?

2. Press Toward the Goal

“I press on toward the goal…”

(Philippians 3:14)

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. Paul didn’t coast—he pressed on with purpose.

What are you pressing toward this year?

What is your spiritual target?

Take a moment and write it down.

For me? My heart still longs to journal. Let me go find the book I bought!

Are we as intentional with our spiritual goals as we are with other plans?

👉 Don’t aim for ease—aim for calling.

👉 Don’t settle for comfort—press into Christlike growth.

We’re not here to impress others—we’re here to live with purpose.

Let this mid-year moment be your holy reset.