A new year is looming and the countdown started long before December 31.
2016 can be a fresh start, but for most of us the new year can be added pressure, more ways to consider failure over the previous year, and it only adds to a list of too much self examination.
I’ve determined I’m going to start fresh every morning. Not just on January 1.
“Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” {Lamentations 3:23}
God is not on my calendar. Maybe it’s the beginning of a new year in heaven or maybe it’s just a speck of eternity. But I know I’m one day closer to Jesus’ return and eternal longings fulfilled.
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” {2 Peter 3:8}
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises.
I’m going to reflect more on His grace, my much needed salvation, and His sweet mercy to give it to me.
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” {Lamentations 3:25-26}
I’m going to hush my mind and listen to His tender voice.
“Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.” {Psalm 25:4-5}
I’m going to make less of me and more of Him.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” {Ecclesiastes 3:11}
I’m not making plans. This is the year of the un-plan for me. Maybe it can be for you, too.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” {Ecclesiastes 3:1}
Don’t let the calendar dictate your response.
If resolutions and goals help you to be more motivated in your faith — super! But if you need permission like I do to live in the freedom He provides, then take a pass. I’m going to.
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guest says
Great stuff: I plan to hush my mind too. My first step has been to ‘turn off’ facebook and instagram… in some ways, I felt like God wanted me back. What will be harder is disciplining myself to not fill that precious quiet time with other activity! Your daily devotions will help enormously xx
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Stephanie,
I, too, often feel like I need “permission” to live in the moment – one grace and mercy-filled day at a time. But, permission from whom? I’ve already been given permission, by God, to be still and know Him…what more permission do I need? Conscientiously trying to turn from the world’s dictates and follow the lead of my Lord. Standing with you girl!!
Blessings,
Bev
Meg Bucher says
Brilliant!
Although I don’t know if my will power will allow me to let go completely of checklists, goals, and resolutions, I will join you in releasing the pressure to attain all of them! Last year, I made ten resolutions. Some I accomplished, some fizzled out, and some I didn’t complete. But, I’m better for the effort, and that’s what’s important. And when I say “Better” I mean closer to God…closer to living a holier life…just a teeny bit improved from last year’s version of me.
Goals are nothing if they’re not God focused.
Thank you for the inspiration!
Happy Tuesday!
Megs
Ruthie says
Great thoughts and helpful. Focusing on His mercy and grace frees me to grow closer. I want to ride the wave of grace and as I do the Holy Spirit will accomplish His work. Thanks for your words and the Scripture!
Beth Williams says
Stephanie,
Great post!! These are some wonderful ideas. Why put more stress on yourself than necessary! God just wants our best each day!!
The last two years have been filled with much stress and change. This year I’m making a few-very few- plans. Things I really want to try and accomplish. Forgoing resolutions, and most lists. I want to trust God more and see what He has in store for me this coming year. Each day is a new beginning. We need to start by thanking Him for the fresh start!
Blessings 🙂
Rebecca Jones says
I’m encouraging others not to make resolutions, but to focus on Jesus and pick one word for each day, my Jan 1 word is cherish. I like the word hush.
NinaRuth says
Stephanie, I love the part about not making resolutions…walking in grace & freedom! Moving from being a “Romans 7” Christian to a “Romans 8” Christian – not trying harder, but acknowledging, moment-by-moment, my need of Jesus, and the fulness of all of the riches that I have in Him, because He paid it ALL! I pray it’s a year of me heeding His words (words of relief & freedom!) that our blessed Saviour spoke to His disciples when they asked Him what THEY needed to DO to work the works of God. He replied, “This is the work of God – [simply] that you believe [rely upon, trust in the finished work on the cross] in the One whom He sent.”
Yay! Thank You, Father! What relief!