The beginning of a new year always feels fresh and filled with potential. Here are a seven of the scriptures I have been mulling over in my mind the past few weeks as I have prepared for 2019 and a few thoughts I’ve been contemplating about them.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
It doesn’t matter what year it is, Jesus is the same. It doesn’t matter how I change, Jesus is the same. It doesn’t matter what challenges I face, Jesus is the same. What a comfort that is!
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
We are each given a finite number of days on this earth. To live with that in mind is important as we make our day to day decisions lest we waste away the days allotted to us.
In their hearts, humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps. -Proverbs 16:9
I am a planner. I write a to-do list each day complete with boxes to check. I love the dreaming and planning stage of projects. This verse always serves as a good reminder to me that no matter how much I plan, God is still in control, and I need to be seeking him as I make my plans.
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. -Psalm 34:12-14
Who wants to see good days? Pick me! These verses are a road map to them. And peace, I’m not just supposed to sit around and wait for it, I am to look for it and chase after it.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. -Hebrews 12:1-3
This year is part of the race of life we are called to run. I love the mental imagery these verses provide of running before a great crowd, throwing off those things that trip me up, and running toward Jesus who is beckoning to me with outstretched arms saying, “I’ve already run this race; you can do it.” How true it is that when we consider what he has done for us, the obstacles in our own races seem far less obstructive.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:1-2
I am called to give my life completely to him—to put the salvation he has given me to work as a living sacrifice. To do this, I must separate myself from the way the world does things and renew my mind through the reading of the Word and prayer. The benefit for me in doing these practices is that I will be able to know the will of God for my life. And you better believe, his will for my life is better than any of the plans, goals, or resolutions I can make for myself.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.-Lamentations 3:22-23
No matter what happens this year. No matter the mistakes I make. No matter how many times I stumble. God is faithful. He will never leave me. He will continue to show compassion. He will always and forever love me. What a gift!
What verses are you pondering as you look to the year ahead?
