All Things New

For all of the years I am able to remember, the stroke of midnight on December 31st for me, has held the deepest of emotions; sadness, at having to say goodbye to people I love; disappointment at failed plans. Then, there is the excitement that accompanies the anticipation of the prospect of a fresh new year and a sense of renewal and hope. And, then, as the clock continues to tick away, so begins another year that will most likely end on the next December 31st, with the same emotions.

Are you able to relate? It should come as no surprise that our Great Creator, God, would design our planet on the principle of cycles that have beginnings and endings, which hold the promise of hope for redemption. Where I live, in the state of Virginia, we can look out the window in December at the leafless trees and brown grass and be tempted by the discouragement of the way things appear. But, life is still taking place all around us, even though we might not see it in the moment.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven … He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 11)

However you ushered in the New Year a few days ago, to whatever you left behind or said goodbye, know that The Lord is Faithful and True. Just as the trees will grow new leaves and the grass turn green in a few months, so Jesus offers new life. He doesn’t just give us a makeover to cover up our imperfections. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26) [Emphasis mine]

My only resolution this year is to aim at believing God and trust in His Word as I pray “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me … Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:10 & 12) [Emphasis mine]

To The One Who does not ask for sacrifice but desires “a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart.” (Psalm 51:17)