What is it about the turning of the calendar that creates this yearning? What is it in us that desires a reset, a refreshment of our soul so very deeply?
A New Year, and a Fresh Start – we turn that calendar page, set up a fresh beginning, and arrive at the New year with anticipation of change, improvement, a freshness that we so desire. Yet, maybe we can’t quite grasp it. What is it about the turning of the calendar that creates this yearning? What is it in us that desires a reset, a refreshment of our soul so very deeply? It seems that the prophet Isaiah has something for us to answer this. Before these new things happen, the Lord will proclaim them to us! Are you paying attention to those longings, those desires deep within? What is it He is after as a new thing in you?
Behold, the former things have come to pass,
Now I declare new things;
Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” Isa 42:9
Each year you may purpose to make changes in many areas to improve your life, to make this year the “best yet”. Maybe you have started a new way of eating, or have begun moving your body more. By this time in January, perhaps that energy wanes, and you fall back into habits you broke off, and circumstances out of your control cause you to reach for the familiar, the comfort you long for. What do you notice about your thoughts? What are you telling yourself?
As you pause and look at the true and real things in your life in this moment, what is something that you may not have noticed that IS new? Look around your life and ask the Lord to show you where He is doing “one, new thing” that you can notice. What is becoming clear? How will you respond to this “new thing” you are becoming aware of? Write it down and ask the Lord to show you one small step to claim this new thing He is doing. Revisit this small step daily for a month and then write down what you notice because of standing firm on this one, new thing.
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. Isa 43:19
Be blessed in embracing a new thing that the Lord is doing in your life!
– Pam Mertz, ACC, Coach Presenter Director