“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
New Beginning
This has been quite a year. Many good, yet many hard and sad things happened in 2018. I am looking forward to 2019, yet it is bittersweet. Saying goodbye to my dad at the end of 2017 was monumental and life-changing. This year has been a bit empty, yet I have a new son-in-law, and also a new daughter-in-law. It brings me joy and peace to know that my children are happy. The northern California fires have been devastating, especially close to home; almost a third of our town is gone, yet we are rebuilding. A friend I’ve worked with for years, who brought much joy and laughter to my day, has moved on. Change can be hard, but God never changes.
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us” (Romans 8:37).
This is the adventure I can embrace in the new year. I’ve always been positive and I am confident God is working all things for our good. We can always look up and know He’s in control and fills all the empty and painful places in our hearts and lives.
We are rich in Christ. We have His Word and the Holy Spirit to give us His perspective and encouragement. We can embrace our challenges and get up after defeats, renewed and stronger. It starts with spending time basking in His presence. I’m always amazed that this valuable time can change my disturbed heart, giving new direction and hope when I allow Him completely in, acknowledging my state of mind, my disappointments, and yes, my sin. His Word washes over us better than any warm shower. He makes all things new.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1-2).
And later in this same chapter: “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (vs. 11).
This is a promise that we can embrace now. He can raise our dead emotions or attitudes and turn them to His will and purpose. This is our joy because He created us for Himself, and when we live full of the Holy Spirit we are most fulfilled knowing we are pleasing our Heavenly Father.
Let us embrace this new year with hope and encouragement in Him. We can hope in even what we don’t yet see: “For we are saved to this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope… but if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8:24-25).
“Heavenly Father, we present ourselves as a living sacrifices for this next year. We pray we can submit to Your will in all things, enjoying Your presence and embracing Your adventure!”
Yes basking in His preasense is the true answer to calming our sadness and changes in our lives.
Theough my divorce, which I have not wanted since my husband filed last June, I find peace and calming when I pray blessings on and over him. God does care for us and gives us hope when we lean in Him for our hope. God bless this day for us beleivers at Little Country Church. Help us to bless tbose who purposely offend and hurt us, knowing you have a plan for us to prosper. Jeremiah 29:11.
Hope, indeed, is a great motivator!
Yes new hope and new encouragement is I seek in my life. While I have the encouragement portion from my supportive family through my unwanted divorce, I still grasp for the new hope. Jeremiah 29:11…”For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
My New Years resolution is to get closer to the Lord. As a child I was molested many times by family members. I have hope and pray that the Lord helps me to overcome these horrible memories. Please pray for me too. Thank you.
That is exactly my prayer this year to continue my hope in Jesus and to get closer to Him and less on other Stuff! My prayer is to continue my desire to build my relationship with Jesus and work on what His plan is for me! Thank you Lord for your never ending love and patience with me!!