What is it about January that makes us want to start fresh (or for some, start over)?
I know the obvious answer, but honestly, we could start anew anytime we want— there isn’t any magical fairy dust that transforms us at midnight as one year rolls out and a new year rolls in.
It’s a mindset.
God tells us, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19). There’s just something exciting about seeing a way out, or a way in, depending on your perspective and need.
About three years ago, I started faithfully journaling throughout the year. I’m a writer so I’ve always had journals of some sort, but this was different and more intentional. I started my notes on January 1 with goals for the year— things I would pray and seek God about. One of my favorite things about this is the reflection I can do anytime during the year. Much like a measuring tape to see how much I’ve accomplished, or what I still need to strive for. And some years, my “undone” tasks got carried over to the new year.
The Bible says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way” (Psalm 37:23). The New Living says, “…He delights in every detail of their lives.” If God cares about the details, I think we should too. In fact, I have found great delight in the discovery. What is it God wants for me this year? What details should I pay more attention to? These kind of questions are healthy for the soul. They build upon the relationship God desires to have with each of us.
We are each unique.
Each of us carry a different function. It’s tempting to look at those around us (or on social media) and fall into a trap of comparison. Don’t do that. Instead, realize God made your life to fit perfectly within His big design. God didn’t make us on an assembly line.
“[Instead] we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of His body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face” (Romans 12:4-6 MSG).
In other words, find your purpose and be you.
But let me clarify… You are a reflection of Him. Your purpose is in Him. Your goals can revolve around family or business or school or even ministry, but make sure to seek God for your steps. As individually unique as you are, your purpose is still tied to the whole. God can see what you can’t and He knows what you don’t so it would be wise to seek Him daily.
As you seek God, write it down. Reference it often. Date it so you’ll remember when you received that instruction or revelation. Find scripture to encourage your journey. God’s Word is the best guide. In fact, in the final words of scripture, we find this encouragement: “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful’” (Revelation 21:5).
As you discover the new things God has for you, write it down. Keep them close. It’s okay to wipe your feet as you close the door to 2021, but I pray your heart is full of hope and expectancy as you go into your next season.
