When our children were younger, we would celebrate New Years at 8pm, dramatic countdown and all. It was quite brilliant because our children could not yet tell time, so we did not even have to switch the time on the clocks in the house. It was dark outside already and we figured it was New Years Day somewhere in the world already. 10 – 9 – 8 – 7 – 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!! Hugs and kisses all around, bedtime prayer and off the children would go to bed excited to have brought in the New Year with us. How precious. The children sleeping quietly in their room so hubby and I could have a quiet house to ourselves, a date night of sorts for the two of us to reflect on the previous year’s lessons and talk about our aspirations for the New Year.
Fast forward to now and the children CAN tell time! That is a good thing. It shows growth and development. It would be silly to wish that even though they have advanced in age, they should still be stuck development wise not having learned new things. Our desire for our children is that they grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man, just like Jesus did. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52
So now we have to figure out a new family tradition to ring in the New Year. And isn’t that how family life goes? Each new season brings with it new traditions and new memories to make as a family. We can not hold on to the past way of doing things because the children are now grown, and it will not work. “Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? Isaiah 43:19
In the same way, we should not try to hold on to the old way of doing things, especially if it did not work or yield the desired results. Let go of the old way of prayerlessness and grow into a praying Christian who craves time with God because it yields the fruits of righteousness. Let go of the old way of doing things like holding onto anger, hurt and resentment. Ask for God to give you the grace to forgive and move on, then receive that grace, forgive and move on. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
The list goes on. As you search the Scriptures this year, purposing to and actually reading your Bible daily, allow God’s Holy Spirit to search your heart and point out the old things you need to let go of and also point out, in God’s Word, the new things you need to grow into.
For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
It is important for us to seek God’s will for us always, and especially as we begin this New Year. Seek God’s will for your life, your family, your marriage, your children, your work, your friendships, your church and your community. We have the assurance in God’s Word that when we seek God, we will find Him if we seek Him with our all (Jeremiah 29:12) and God also promises that for everyone who calls on Him, He will answer them. How reassuring!
‘‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’’ Jeremiah 33:3
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