Christian Living

Start the Year with God

by Julie Blackman
01/01/19
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Another year has begun and with it comes possibilities, opportunities, and lists of resolutions. Below are four action items that are easy to implement and can help usher in success into the new year.

Let go of the past. If things didn’t go as planned last year, consider it a teachable moment and move on. In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul writes, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” It doesn’t make sense to begin a new year and drag issues and attitudes from the past. Start with a fresh slate. This can be accomplished by focusing on God.

Meditate on God’s Word. In Psalm 1:2, we’re instructed to delight ourselves in the Lord and to meditate on His law, day and night. When we do so, we become “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers,” (Psalm 1:3). Focusing on God’s word encourages our spirits, enhances our faith, and lifts us up. We become more aware of His presence and God’s control over everything in our lives. So that the next time, we find ourselves in a situation that we do not understand, we’ll remember Isaiah 55:8-9, which states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God is the Creator, and He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. When we set our minds on things above, we surrender to His will.

Trust God. It can be difficult at times to surrender completely. Who likes leaving things up to chance? I don’t. But with God as the Captain steering my life, nothing happens by chance. He orchestrates everything. “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm,” (Psalm 37:23). I remember a quotation, the author is unknown, but it has resonated with me for years. “Faith isn’t faith until it’s all you’re holding onto.” That is a fact. How many times do we find ourselves in situations whereby there is absolutely nothing we can do, but trust God? Shouldn’t we do that anyway? Proverbs 3:5-6, encourages us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Even though we may not see the light at the end of the tunnel—trust God, there is one. If we find ourselves backed up against a wall, and there is no way out—trust Him, God will open a door for you. And remember, don’t give up hope!

Expect a Better Future. We cannot see what lies ahead, only God can. He knows what to do when to do it, and how to do it. Our minds can become portals for distractions and negative thoughts. But we have Almighty God on our side, and He has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11, states, “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.” Our futures are secure in Him—no need to fear.

Making time for God and ensuring that He is the center of our lives is a guarantee for a successful year. God bless you!