Starting Off Right

January 7, 2020

“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Happy New Year!

As we start the new year, we come to it with different perspectives. Some of us are breathing a sigh of relief, incredibly thankful that 2019 has finally come to an end. It was difficult. Challenging, and painful. We experienced disappointments and loss—a death, loss of a marriage, health difficulties, broken relationships, hopes unrealized. On the other side, some of us were hoping that 2019 would never come to an end. We were riding a wave of excitement and enjoyment. Success and profit marked most everything we did. Relationships thrived, and our decisions were golden.

But no matter what happened in our 2019, Isaiah gives us wisdom. If 2019 was difficult and painful, we need to be able to acknowledge the losses, disappointment, and sorrow. We need to grieve and allow God to comfort us. As we do, we can move forward instead of dwelling in and living in the past. That doesn’t profit us or others.

If our 2019 was exciting and successful, we can start the new year by acknowledging His care of us. It’s time to give thanks to God for giving us the gifts and opportunities, and honor Him as the Source.

But then it is time to look forward. Whatever the past has been, it is just that—past. Not a moment of it can be relived. What is done is done. Whatever 2019 held is over.

No matter what 2019 held, God is the God of new beginnings. He wants to do something new in you, for you, and through you in 2020. This is His faithful promise:

“For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, “Do not fear;
I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Know this: Nothing that happens to you in 2020 is cause for fear as long as you are walking with Jesus. His word to you is, “FEAR NOT! I will help you.” Move into 2020 with confidence. God is already there.