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New Beginnings

Tree covered mountains, early morning, with the words, "God's plan is the only plan we need."
by Beeda Speis for Peace In The Stillness blog

Every year I probably go back to this theme of “new beginnings” or “starting over” just because that’s what I associate with the New Year. It’s just a point in time where it naturally warrants a chance to begin again, to put the past in the past, live for today, and look forward to the future.

I’ve tried different approaches throughout the years. There were of course “resolutions.” But, other years I tried having a “word” to describe the upcoming year or a theme. The word or theme approaches usually work pretty well for me.

Mostly what I get out of this time of year is a chance to reflect back on what I’ve accomplished, (or did not accomplish) and to make a plan for the coming year that will hopefully show progress and have meaning.

I went back through my old blog and copied the links to all of my New Year-themed blogposts. I enjoy going back and reading them, seeing if anything came from my December/January plans for the coming year. After I have a chance to read them, I’ll share them here. For today I’ll share what I wrote on January 2, 2017. I called it the “Bible verse for the new year: Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
That’s all I wrote. I don’t remember why, but it’s still a comfort to know that Jesus will never change.

Bible Verse of the Day

The verse I chose for today is:

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV

This is actually contrary to my whole New Year’s approach, but is much better and what we’re told to do. We don’t need to dwell on the past because it is done and gone. As for the future, God’s in control and we can rest in His sovereignty over all things. He can accomplish anything. He can “make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Just think about that.

My problem is I’m a planner. I need to have lists and calendars and schedules. So, maybe my goal for the New Year should be more along the lines of giving up everything to God. When I come to a decision that needs to be made, I want to go to God first. I’m done making decisions on my own. I need Jesus in my life, guiding me along, helping me do His will. God’s plan is the best and only plan we need.

Pray

Please join me this week in praying for new beginnings. Let’s pray for wisdom and direction. Ask God for guidance. Pray that any resolutions, themes, or words that we come up with for the new year are for God’s glory and part of His plan for our lives.

Commentary

If you want to read what David Guzik wrote about this verse, click here. Then, you can then do ctrl+f and the search box will open. Type in the box:
a. Do not remember the former things
That should take you to the commentary for this passage in Isaiah.

Reminder

Peace In The Stillness has a lot of projects in the works for the new year so be sure to sign up for my email list so you don’t miss out on any of it. (Plus, a chance to win prizes).