In households around the world the remains of Christmas 2024 are stored away for another 11 months or if like me, will stay in place a few days past January 1 in order to continue enjoying the beauty and symbolism bright lights or warm glow from lit candles give, all reminding me of Christ’s love. In addition to the beauty of the Christmas season, another promise from ages past is the anticipation of a “new year”, the actuality of yet another 365 days deposited into young and old alike. Admittedly, as much as I love all that is Christmas, I also truly enjoy the beginning of a new year. As a Christ follower, I look forward to daily opportunities to tune into scripture, finding gems to meditate on to develop my personal growth as I seek to pursue a life that closely reflects the Light of Christ. So, January 1 I was pleased to turn to Isaiah 43: 18-19 which says “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

I tend to be a creature of habit, especially in order to stay focused on responsibilities in our home, in my ministry assignments, and as I continually find ways to keep me and my husband healthy. We’ve had to forgo some “former” eating habits and embrace more physical activity which is a good example of “forgetting former things”.

I have a bad character flaw of rewinding past hurtful conversations or experiences in my head, playing them over and over to analyze the “should haves”, the “could haves” and the “what ifs”…this behavior doesn’t help me to “forget former things”…rather it keeps me trapped “dwelling on the past”.  Making this confession is humbling, yet allows me freedom, and honestly? I’m not alone in my confused thoughts. I think it’s pretty safe to say many in our community live under this similar cloud of stinkin’ thinkin’.

So, how do I? How do you break free from those things that keep you feeling weighed down, lacking hope, living in constant strife and conflict?

We can heed these words from the prophet Isaiah, turning our eyes to God’s own voice–”See, I am doing a new thing!”

So, this first week of a new year I pose this question–What is something “new” that you need to see Him do for you? In our churches, do we need a fresh wind and a fresh fire of God’s spirit to blow through our pulpits and chairs? What does our community need?

As individuals, we are afforded becoming “new” by placing trust in God and His plan of salvation. In our churches, ask God to pour out His spirit and accept the changes He ushers into our midst. In our community, look for people who need a word of encouragement, a helping hand up, resources to live and thrive when faced with unexpected difficulties. 

Looking for something “new” is not far from our sight or grasp. Actually implementing change does require time and effort, sacrifice on our part. Yet, when everything we freely receive from God is freely given, what a difference we can make in ourselves, our homes, our churches, and our communities.

Will you join me this year thanking God for all He has done for you in 2024 and walk into 2025 asking Him to bring “a new work” in your heart, soul and mind? When you begin to reap the benefits of harvest from His bountiful gifts, THEN take those fruit filled baskets into places where His Light needs to extinguish sin and darkness…where an empty heart is craving hope…where hunger nags an aching stomach….where thirsty souls may enjoy a drink of Living water. 

Community of friends. Community of believers. Let’s make 2025 special–12 months of “renewal and mercy”….as we leave 2024 behind and welcome new opportunities, faithful promises, enduring love from God!