What does the New Year mean to you?
For many, the New Year is nothing more than a change in the calendar date. But for some, it’s significant. It carries the promise of growth, achievement, and happiness.
This energy carries through for a few weeks to maybe a month and then something changes. Somewhere, somehow, we lose focus of what we want.
One could say that life gets in the way, but it could also be argued that life has never been anywhere but right in front of us.
So, what next?
How do you reconcile your experiences with the dreams and ambitions you have for a certain kind of life?
In this blog, we’d like to highlight two verses and how they have an impact on life and possibly give you a different lens by which to view this New Year.
The opportunity of renewal
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 NIV
Each New Year can be seen as an opportunity for renewal, but in truth, you don’t need a New Year to experience renewal. The Holy Spirit is ever-present, and with a commitment to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, you have the chance to experience renewal in every moment.
How does this translate into a manageable lifestyle?
It’s very easy to get caught up in the humdrum of daily living, but we owe it to ourselves to make time to connect with God and open ourselves up to the opportunity of renewal that’s always waiting.
So, whether you’re recovering from a deep and painful hurt, or struggling to deal with a challenging situation, remember that you have direct access to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, all you need do is turn within through prayer.
Renewal comes with surrender to God’s plan for you.
Abundance and your bond with God
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”’ John 14:6 NIV
Strengthening your bond with God is never done. It requires constant effort and discipline, but the rewards are plentiful and they show up in many ways.
Will you always get what you want?
No.
God’s plan for you is God’s plan, and it’s one you must have faith in. God’s plan will differ to yours in some ways as God wants to make you the strongest version of yourself. This is why people have challenges in life.
Does this mean it’s not worth having goals and dreams?
No again.
You were created to have goals, dreams and ambition because these are the things that make you unique. These are the attributes that make you a child of God.
You see, God wants you to become the very best version of yourself, to experience the very best life you can, but you must have faith. You must surrender to God’s plan.
How do you surrender to God?
You develop the discipline to turn within and share yourself with God regularly. People do this is many different ways. It could be prayer each morning or evening, a journal entry at the end of each day, or a simple expression of gratitude to God.
When life gets tough your openness to God’s plan for you allows you to view tough times as a challenge. You’ll begin to find creative solutions to meet each challenge and God sends support to you in the form of people who suddenly appear to help you along.
It has been said that the quality of a man’s life is directly correlated to his relationship with God. The stronger your relationship with God, the higher the quality of life you have. You are open to all that God has in store for you.
This New Year, take the time to think about how you can tap into your own personal renewal and cultivate the relationship with God that you want.
Noah Landsberg
