Three Things For A Fresh Start This New Year

‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”’ ~ Jeremiah 29:11

(Photo credit: Ray Hennessy)

As we approach the New Year and ring in 2019, have you considered your resolutions?  Personally, I’m not much of a resolution gal. I have been blessed with great self control (sometimes to my detriment) so I become VERY frustrated with myself when I can’t follow through with said resolutions. 

How many of us have resolved to lose weight, become more financially stable, earn a promotion, invest in self care?  I think I am seeing a theme here. All revolve around SELF.  Now don’t get me wrong, we most certainly need to take care of ourselves. Our bodies are God’s living temples. But…there is a fine line to walk. When SELF becomes more important than SOUL then we have a problem. 

In our culture today, I am finding that many (myself included) are focused on this ME mentality, even amongst Christians. YOU can do ANYTHING you set your mind to if you work hard enough. True, right?  In my mind this mentality is false. You see, I can do NOTHING apart from God. My successes, my joys come solely from Him.  My fulfillment and my life’s work are a gift from Him. Can I be rich in things of this world apart from God?  Absolutely. But I know money, professional success, material things do not provide complete joy but only temporary happiness. They leave me continually unsatisfied and only wanting more. 

(Photo credit:  Steven VanDesande Jr)

Maybe you are so relieved to say goodbye to 2018, and maybe your hope is that 2019 will be as great as the last. Whatever state you enter this New Year, ponder where you will put your focus in 2019. 

As I think about this past year in my life, I remember the many blessings that I’m so thankful for from a healthy family to fun adventures. I also reflect on a huge disappointment in my life. My heart hurts as our family continues to discern the direction of our church and where we belong. We have struggled so desperately to understand where God wants us to be and how to faithfully serve Him. If I’m completely honest, this specific journey has been heart-wrenching, full of many tears. I have felt isolated, alone, and frustrated. And yet, God has been VERY present in the wrestling. I have been in scripture these past 5 months more than I’ve ever been. My relationship with God has grown through connections I never saw coming. Blessings are in the struggle. Healing is in the struggle. GOD is in the struggle. Oh how beautiful!!

You see, if I put my faith in other people or things of this world, then disappointment is right around the corner.  But if I put my faith in God, He will see me through the inevitable heartaches of this world and yet still provide for me in ways I could never imagine!  And while I know my heartache may seem trivial in comparison to other situations, this has been a very real and emotional heart check for myself. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” ~ Isaiah 55:8-9

Are you going through your own heartache?  Unsure how you are going to get through it?  Please know you are not alone. Place your hope and faith in God. He alone can provide what you need. Allow Him in so that you can heal. Making God a priority will never leave you disappointed. 

My hope for all of us is this…..

Romans 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

(Photo credit:  Olivia Snow)

The three things we need in our lives not only in the New Year but each and every day:  hope, patience, faithfulness. 

May 2019 bring you hope abounding as you grow in relationship with Him through prayer, scripture, and Christian community. 

In Him,

Ashley

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

~Psalm 118:24