The Best Is Yet To Come

Do you remember life before kids? Before chronic pain? Before the continual demands of decision-making? Sometimes we look back longingly at the gentler pace of life we once knew.

The urge to look back is a common experience; even more poignant is the yearning for days that have passed us by. But although our past contains important lessons, experiences, and people, the Apostle Paul introduces a key instruction for living the Christian life:

“One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal” (Philippians 3:13–14).

Paul doesn’t deny the importance of what has gone before, or of living well today, but he urges us to keep our eyes on what lies ahead. We know that no matter how good the days behind us may have been, as Christians our best days are always ahead of us. When we embrace the resurrection from the dead, arrive in our true home, have bodies that won’t wear out, and enjoy an eternity in Jesus—that is our prize, and it is worth straining ahead for.

Consider these questions: When are you most likely to look back and long for days gone by? How can straining for what lies ahead help you also make the most of today?

Let’s pray

Yahweh, thank You that my best days lie ahead of me, when I will finally see You face to face and know the complete fulfilment of all Your promises to me. Amen.