A New Year’s Commitment

“Could I have imagined that would have happened?” is always one of those year-end thoughts for me.

It’s impossible to know what a new year will bring for each of us (changes, events, trials, memories) but the turn of the calendar year always seems like a natural time to think about it.

Some people start the new year making resolutions, some goals, others just mourn the pending digit change in their age.   Either way, a new year often brings new opportunities to start fresh.

I was reminded this week while reading in Isaiah that God is about new things.

“Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”  Isaiah 43:19    

This verse reminds me that God is constantly at work renewing and redeeming His creation.  He is eager to extend His grace, peace, healing, perseverance and renewal to those willing to accept His promise of abundant life (John 10:10).

New Things

As I have thought about what I would like this upcoming year to be for me I am drawn to the possibility of new things.  New awareness.  New teaching.  New shaping.  I don’t know how God would like to reveal more deeply to me aspects of His character and their application in my life, but I know He has intentions to do so.  I know that it is His desire to do new things in me, through refining and deepening my relationships with Him and others.

I am also slowly learning that my obedience plays a role in this shaping.  The more I pursue His heart the more He seems to reveal in me.  Or at least the more I seem to recognize that He is revealing in me.  On the other hand, the further I slip from His ways the less I tend to see the characteristics of grace, love and Christlikeness in my life.  I think it is true for all of us.  There seems to be a deeper refining that happens when we put ourselves in a place to listen and be shaped by Him.

A New Year

Where do you find yourself entering the year 2014?  Are you searching for a roadway in the wilderness of life’s decisions?  Maybe you are a little mentally or spiritually dry and need a river to refresh and replenish you during this desert time.  Perhaps you are riding on the crest of a strong spiritual renewal and are rejoicing in the spiritual intimacy you are obtaining.  Wherever you find yourself, make this year, 2014, a year of new things.  Place yourself in front of Christ in such a way that you will not miss what he wants to do in you and through you.

I know that I will not do it perfectly, and sorry, you won’t either, but make a commitment to trying.  Make a commitment to allowing God a significant place in you this year.  Maybe at this year’s end you will look back with spiritual eyes and say with great strength and gratitude:

“Could I have imagined that would have happened?”