A Fresh Start

“Oh!!!! I adore this pocketbook. This sweater is too perfect! Warm and cozy. This scarf is amazing. I cannot believe you knitted it yourself! I will use all of my new things tomorrow. Thank you!”

Certainly, I must admit there are times something necessitates waiting. When clearly the choice is mine though, I abandon waiting to use new items!

2012. A new year.

Culturally, January 1st represents a time for new resolutions. However, this tradition rapidly becomes a thing of the past as most people recognize they rarely abide long-term by the very things they resolve to accomplish. Nevertheless, we still enjoy the idea of a new beginning…or a fresh start, a friend shares with me.

With the rigorous demands of life, the pressures of family, finances, general difficulties, friends even, the temptation to flee and begin anew presses on each of us. “Calgon, take me away!” resonates with all.

During the immaturity that youth brings, we sometimes mistakenly think that procrastinating or running away solves problems. “Tomorrow, I pay the bills. Next month, I change eating habits. Next year, I devote more time to my children.”

Scripture speaks much of newness. The Lord knows our need for something NEW.

Sadly, we too often attempt “the new” all on our own. With surety, this self-reliant attempt grants opportunity for failure. Failure upon failure leads to discouragement and worse.

For the one who places her faith in Jesus Christ, each of life’s moments offers opportunity for newness. An awakening of the cleansing power of Jesus occurs within the Christ-follower. Upon the moment of confession, the “I am sorry, Lord. I receive Your forgiveness,” newness begins.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. II Corinthians 5:17

What appears to overwhelm you? The temper tantrums of your youngest? The college payments for your oldest? The desperation you feel to find a spouse? The need for a new job? The desire to look better? The longing to feel better? That person that challenges every portion of the fruit of the spirit within you? What is it during this season of life?

As I walk with Him, I find that overwhelming circumstances change. In the morning, it may involve arriving at an appointment during rush hour on time. In the evening, it may represent preparing dinner when the paycheck is depleted and the groceries are slim. In other seasons, the problems represent real crises…the death of a loved one…job loss…a poor diagnosis. We cannot run away from these problems either.

Newness of life, with the ability for victory in overwhelming circumstances, is possible only through the wonder-working power of Jesus.

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5

The one resolve for each believer is to follow Him entirely, to abide in His presence with His Word as daily sustenance. Christ alone provides newness…change…real change…refreshment.

…put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him… Colossians 3:10