New
Revelation 21:5
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.”
A new year…a clean slate…a new beginning. There is something special about the word “new”. Something hopeful and exciting. To think that we can wipe away the old and start over again. Whether it be cleaning and decluttering…changing our eating habits…exercising…reading through the Bible…stopping smoking…or spending…or a multitude of other things…the hope that we can actually make our lives new in these areas gives us renewed hope. And renewed strength to move forward and try.
There are so many things I want to make new in my life this year. This past year found me being controlled almost solely by grief. I have found that grief can be a crude task master. Controlling everything from sleep (or lack there of) to memory…diet…and emotions. The bad thing is…grief is still part of my life. I know it will be for a long time. So what is a girl to do? Just give up? Nope. The promise of a new dawn…a new year, stands before me and you shining from the Father above saying, “This is just a taste of what it will be like one day, when I make ALL things new.”
What a great God we serve! To give us a small sampling of what it will be like on that great day when EVERYTHING will be made new. And the great thing is…unlike our New Year’s resolutions that last for a short time…His “new” will remain forever new. No going back and trying again the next year…what He does will stick…forever and ever.
But, how grateful I am that He gives us a glimpse of all that by giving us a chance to start over. Like a new year…2011. The joy of planning…doing things differently…stopping some things and starting others. Isn’t God wonderful to let us have new beginnings? So many of us, including me, will set goals that are based on our flesh. Losing weight, exercising, giving up something. Those are all good things to do. But, as those that love the Lord, we should also be making room for new beginnings in our relationship with Him. Could we put on our list to read through the Bible in a year…get up a few minutes earlier and spend some time reading a good devotional…try fasting once a week…tithing…spending time daily on our knees in prayer…doing something for someone every day…memorizing Scripture.
I know all of those things are just that…things. I believe that more than anything He wants us to desire one thing in 2011…Him. He will make all things new one day…and He starts by making US new. I don’t know about you, but I am SO grateful that He makes me new. Believe me, I need all the help I can get! How about you?
Thankful for new beginnings and sending much love,
Debbie
