Brand New
Happy New Year! 2017 is really here. And I'm still sorta blinking my eyes in surprise. Well...not really. In a perfect world, this would've been posted on January 1, but I got a bit sidetracked. This semester, I have more school, so I won't be posting as often. I'll try to post at least twice a month, though, so stay tuned! I'll try not to disappear for too long. I took an unplanned four week break from blogging without letting you know, so this turned into a Lunar New Year post now (Happy year of the rooster!). Oh, well. Better late than never, right? Heading back to the subject, I feel like the years just flip by faster and faster each year. Even though the days sometimes drag by, it seems like we pin up the new calendar sooner every year. You really have to seize every moment.
In the beginning of each year, we tend to think, okay, I guess last year's resolution didn't work, but now's the time to start over. Let's say you've made a few resolutions here and there over the years, but the thing is, by June or so, you've forgotten or lost interest in that goal. (Sad, I know. I've done it a few times...) Then the next new year flips by, and you decide that this time you'll reach my goal. And then you forget. Repeat that a couple of times and that's basically my general new year thoughts. On New Year's Day, I was in the car, on the way to church, thinking over the phrase "new year." Generally, it's thought of as a blank slate - brand new, not written on. Although in a way it's true - we don't know what the future holds - there is Someone who does knows what your year is gonna look like. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) comes to mind on this topic:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
For me, this is what these verses mean for me, specifically regarding this new year:
- Even though the new year will wear off, God's mercies will never wear off.
- Even though I may not reach my goals and resolutions, God is still faithful.
- Even though others will, at times, let me down, God's love is constant.
- Even though our country will undergo major changes, God will never change.
- Even though politicians and leaders won't follow through on their words, God will.
- Even though I will sin against others and Him, God is still merciful.
- Even though others may break their promises to me, God still keeps His.
I don't know about you, but this really inspires and encourages me. This year, 2017, I personally want Lamentations 3:22-23 to be my anthem. When I'm discouraged, I want to remember that God is still at my side, cheering me on. When I let others down, or myself down, I want to remember that God is my comfort and that He still loves me. When I do something right, I want to remember that all good things come from God!
Even though we'll mess up every day, whether it be not going to bed early, speaking kindly, or being patient, we can have comfort and assurance that God's mercies are brand new every morning. If you feel like you've already stained your "blank slate," I've got some news for you: God's not keeping score. If you are a child of God, then He's already forgiven you! You don't need to worry about being good enough because when your Father sees you, He sees Jesus - a truly perfect slate.
Another thing to keep in mind is that our plans for the year are not the same as the Lord's. So even if you mess up on your plan or don't follow through on your new year's resolution, it's okay because God has an even bigger and better plan for you, and He keeps His promises no matter what! In fact, every morning He has brand new mercies waiting just for you. This year, even if you feel wearied by the busyness of life, or you still haven't completed your new year's resolution from last year, take heart. God has a big plans for you, as it says in Jeremiah 29:11:
So what does this look like in my life? I want to remember how loved and cherished I am by God and my family, without feeling discouraged or unsure of their love for me because of my actions. I want to seize every moment and use it for God's glory, because every single second is a gift from Him. Because God is so loving to me, regardless of my actions, I want to share His steadfast love with others as well.
Are you aware of God's steadfast love and mercy for you? Is it impacting the way you live your life?
Another thing to keep in mind is that our plans for the year are not the same as the Lord's. So even if you mess up on your plan or don't follow through on your new year's resolution, it's okay because God has an even bigger and better plan for you, and He keeps His promises no matter what! In fact, every morning He has brand new mercies waiting just for you. This year, even if you feel wearied by the busyness of life, or you still haven't completed your new year's resolution from last year, take heart. God has a big plans for you, as it says in Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Your future is secure in His hands. Do not fear - God's love lasts on forever, as does His mercies, faithfulness, and promises.
So what does this look like in my life? I want to remember how loved and cherished I am by God and my family, without feeling discouraged or unsure of their love for me because of my actions. I want to seize every moment and use it for God's glory, because every single second is a gift from Him. Because God is so loving to me, regardless of my actions, I want to share His steadfast love with others as well.
Are you aware of God's steadfast love and mercy for you? Is it impacting the way you live your life?
0 comments: