…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV)
Next to the Bible, the greatest book I’ve ever read is My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. I’ve read it cover to cover the past 25 years. I cannot think of a greater mentor living or dead than Oswald Chambers.
Among his many devotional topics, he had some great things to say about getting a fresh start. “Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us,” he wrote. “But God can transform that destructive anxiety into constructive thoughtfulness for the future.”
He went on to say, “We must leave our broken, irreversible past in His hands and step out into the invincible future with Him,” and “…shut out every other thought and keep yourself before God in this one thing only—my utmost for His highest.”
I’ve observed how champions give complete attention to the shot at hand and do not worry about the past or future.I remember when I was playing competitive college golf and then on the PGA Tour, one of the passages of Scripture that I struggled with was the one you see up top today, Philippians 3:13-14.
It was hard for me to leave a bad shot behind. I was so upset with myself that I had a bad habit of pounding golf clubs in the ground or throwing them. Which didn’t help. One of the wonderful things about golf is how it teaches us about life. I had to learn to leave my broken, irreversible past and live in the present.
I’ve met many champion golf professionals the past six decades. I’ve observed how they give complete attention to the shot at hand and do not worry about the past or future.
I had to learn that being my best in life is a choice.
Jesus advises his disciples to “seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). He meant that our essential needs in life will be provided if we seek him first. “And, do not be anxious for tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
Can you think of any better advice to give yourself as you begin adding weeks to this new year?
—
Jim Hiskey
January 16, 2019
Copyright 2019 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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