Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do 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)
New year, new beginnings. Perhaps you have resolutions for 2017. The desire to start over, to be better than we are, seems universal. Some would say it's our reason for being.
Christians understand we exist not just to be better than we were the day before. We try to give glory to our God by declaring His love and promises to all. In our quest to achieve this, we try to conduct ourselves as God would have us do.
I took the month of December and most of January off from this blog. It was a very busy time for me as a church secretary and also at home while preparing for Christmas. And January? Well, it seems I was recovering from December. But, really, I had allowed myself to become discouraged. Thoughts of "no one will read this anyway" and "this is going nowhere" filled my mind.
But I'm beginning again because God has shown me it's the right thing to do. And He has helped me discover other things that have helped me move on. These things are of a personal nature, so I won't go into detail. But suffice it to say that worry, fear, and pride played big parts.
So, what's holding you back? Are you worried people might mock you for your efforts or the goal itself? Are you afraid if you take that step you might fail?
The Secret to Starting Over
When we dare to change our lives, we need to step out in faith and ask God to help us. It's inevitable we will stumble and fall, but we can't stay down there on the ground, defeated. Look to God; ask for His help. He'll pick you up and help you start over.
So, here I go. I'm moving on in faith that this blog will mean something to someone other than myself. I'm starting some new writing projects and trying to change some unlovely things about myself along the way. I hope you'll remember to look to Jesus as you step out on your own new paths. Just don't walk them alone.
What are your new things for this year? How has the process been so far? Share your comments below.
