Preparing For The New Year
Perhaps you read what a popular woman's magazine recently wrote: What happened in 2009 stays in 2009!
I understand the logic of the New Year - a fresh beginning and a chance to try things differently than you did last year. January first is a good marker of milestones and and opportunity to start something new. But what this magazine wrote for thousands of women to read just isn't true.
The sins that we committed in 2009 have consequences that will carry over into 2010 regardless of how many balls are dropped or horns are blown. They don't get magically erased when the cheers begin at midnight and everyone sings Auld Lang Syne. The stroke of twelve doesn't produce some fairy tale reaction in our hearts, promising that the coming 12 months will be markedly better than the previous.
The only way to start the New Year cleansed and pure is through the Lord's forgiveness of sins. We must approach His throne in true, honest humility and seek forgiveness for the iniquity in our lives. This may seem like putting a damper on the festivities, but what better way to ring in 2010 than in prayer.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
God blessed us with many, many wonderful days, people, surprises, events, sunrises and opportunities in 2009. Some we appreciated, some we thanked Him for and some we might even have shared with others. The Lord has been faithful, as He promised, in every area of our lives.
He has also promised to never leave nor forsake us, which means He will be by our sides through whatever 2010 brings. "Thank you" cannot express my gratitude for the peace those words bring. God is the only one Who knows what this year will hold, but I'm looking forward to walking whatever path He puts me on because I know He will walk it with me.
And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20b
There is a bright future with the Lord ahead, but we will also have the reality of the sins of the past. We may have sought His forgiveness, but the consequences of our actions will remain as long as He desires. Our Heavenly Father is just in His chastisement, and that won't end just because we turn the calendar page.
He will, however, remain with us and give us strength through each upcoming day. I am humbled to think that the great and wonderful God Who created the earth would choose to take up residence in my heart. That is the true blessing of the New Year, not a party or getting to wear a silly hat. It's knowing that today is another day, the beginning of another year, to serve the Lord and walk with Him along the most beautiful path.
I understand the logic of the New Year - a fresh beginning and a chance to try things differently than you did last year. January first is a good marker of milestones and and opportunity to start something new. But what this magazine wrote for thousands of women to read just isn't true.
The sins that we committed in 2009 have consequences that will carry over into 2010 regardless of how many balls are dropped or horns are blown. They don't get magically erased when the cheers begin at midnight and everyone sings Auld Lang Syne. The stroke of twelve doesn't produce some fairy tale reaction in our hearts, promising that the coming 12 months will be markedly better than the previous.
The only way to start the New Year cleansed and pure is through the Lord's forgiveness of sins. We must approach His throne in true, honest humility and seek forgiveness for the iniquity in our lives. This may seem like putting a damper on the festivities, but what better way to ring in 2010 than in prayer.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
God blessed us with many, many wonderful days, people, surprises, events, sunrises and opportunities in 2009. Some we appreciated, some we thanked Him for and some we might even have shared with others. The Lord has been faithful, as He promised, in every area of our lives.
He has also promised to never leave nor forsake us, which means He will be by our sides through whatever 2010 brings. "Thank you" cannot express my gratitude for the peace those words bring. God is the only one Who knows what this year will hold, but I'm looking forward to walking whatever path He puts me on because I know He will walk it with me.
And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20b
There is a bright future with the Lord ahead, but we will also have the reality of the sins of the past. We may have sought His forgiveness, but the consequences of our actions will remain as long as He desires. Our Heavenly Father is just in His chastisement, and that won't end just because we turn the calendar page.
He will, however, remain with us and give us strength through each upcoming day. I am humbled to think that the great and wonderful God Who created the earth would choose to take up residence in my heart. That is the true blessing of the New Year, not a party or getting to wear a silly hat. It's knowing that today is another day, the beginning of another year, to serve the Lord and walk with Him along the most beautiful path.
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