New for the New Year?
Ready or not, 2019 is upon us…
We’re usually hopeful in the New Year, aren’t we? We often devise plans to lose weight, exercise more, be kinder, work harder (or not so hard), spend more time with our families, or… (you can fill in the blank).
It’s a New Year–a new beginning–a clean slate!
We can be a new person in the New Year, can’t we?
But, can we…really?
God, of course, is the Master Creator–the maker of new things…
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
When we observe God’s creation, streams in the wilderness are lovely. But, if we are stumbling in a wilderness of uncertainty, depression, or despair, whether it be of our own making or caused by circumstances beyond our control, the wilderness can be a dark and lonely place.
Sometimes our need to “change” in the New Year is because we want to escape from something that is keeping us in that dark and lonely place. We want to become a “new” person so we can leave the darkness behind.
But…in spite of our determination to make changes in the New Year (or at any time) and make ourselves new, different, and better–the only way we can become new is through Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5
Of course, this doesn’t mean that we need to discard our plans to make changes in the New year that can make us a better person. We just need to make certain that God is part of our plans. Stated more firmly, we need Jesus as our guide in our plan to make positive changes that will honor Him.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
God loves us.
God desires our happiness and well-being. He wants us to be healthy. He wants us to live by the Fruit of the Spirit. He wants us to make choices that honor him.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
So…if our goals and aspirations for the New Year involve changes that will enable us to better serve our Lord and Savior, then YES, we should prayerfully seek God’s guidance and strive to make those changes which will honor Him.
What are your hopes for 2019? What might you change that will help you better serve our Lord?
I was reading the first part of this post and thought about the fruits of the Spirit. I have tried (and tried and tried) to change myself, but the only thing which has made a difference has been drawing closer to God. Contrary to what we believe, we cannot strongarm our inner tendencies. Happy New Year!
You are absolutely right! My journey parallels yours and like you, I’ve not been able to make any changes for the better without God. It was only when I willingly surrendered to God and admitted that I am not in control, that He rescued me from the pit of disobedience and despair. Wishing you a joyful and blessed 2019, my friend.
Such wise words! Thank you. I have linked to your post in my blog this week. I love how the Holy Spirit rounds out a topic through the words of many.
Sometimes it seems as if the Holy Spirit guides us to write similar messages. I believe we’re being encouraged to support each other while reinforcing the spread of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thanks so much for your link!
I agree with that, Katherine. We can be a powerful influence when we all work together toward the common goal of lifting Jesus high.
Beautiful! Such a hopeful and inspiring message, Jeanne!
I linked this post within my blog post this week on the same topic of a New Year ahead. Blessings!
Katherine,
I love that you point out that if our goals and aspirations for the New Year will enable us to serve the Savior better, then we should pray for His guidance. Amen!
Thank you for your encouragement, Beckie! With our Lord’s guidance, we can do much in service to Him. Wishing you continued joy and blessing in your ministry in 2019.