“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18

Thoughts on the New Year

I love Christmas and all the excitement that goes with it.  I love the spirit of giving – that’s the best part.  Then there are all the sales before (it is a tradition with my daughter to take part in Black Friday shopping!) and, of course, after Christmas we pick up wrapping paper and decorations that are on sale.

Then it’s–over. Now what? It can be such a letdown now that the excitement is over, all the hustle and bustle of cooking special meals, wrapping presents, hiding presents, no more Christmas parties and getting together with friends and family. If family members came from far away for the holidays, they have all gone back home.

Ah, but then we have New Year’s Eve and we can look forward to more parties and start thinking of our New Year’s resolutions. Well, some of us do. I used to.

Then the holidays are over and life gets back to normal. Or is it ever “normal”? What season or seasons did God see you through this past year? Maybe there was happiness, heartache, tragedy, financial problems; whatever it was, it was part of God’s plan for your life and He saw you through it. “Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot” (Psalm 16:5). It’s time to move on. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Back to those New Year’s resolutions. They always seem like a good idea, but how many of us actually follow through with them? If you are thinking of making one or more resolutions, apparently there is something you want to change in your life. Rather than taking on the task yourself, wouldn’t it be better to take it to God and ask Him what He would have you change? He knows what is best for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Father, You are our portion. For those who have had a harder season than others, I pray that You will help them have a fresh start for this new year. If there are any changes that need to be made, I pray You will show us what needs to be changed. Give us the courage and strength to allow You to guide us through those changes. Thank you that You love us, You want the best for us, and You meet our needs according to Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.