The
New Year
We
Americans have developed an infatuation with New Year’s Day. I think I
understand why. For many, life is a disappointment that becomes more emphatic
as time passes. A new year reminds them that another year has passed and
nothing has changed. However, just as the wrapped packages on Christmas morning
brings excitement and joy of possibilities imagined, New Year’s Day presents
hope that something better is in store; something new and exciting.
I,
too, reflect on the past year to measure accomplishments. I also look to the
new year with anticipation to events planned and dreams to be pursued. I have
also come to realize that life is a process, not an event. Each day is
important, not years. So for me, New Year’s Day is like the rest, a day to be
enjoyed, to be maximized, to be lived.
This
day reminds me of one a favorite passage of scripture that has blessed me for a
long time. It’s found in Exodus 12:2. As Moses and Aaron led the nation of
Israel out of Egyptian captivity, that had transformed a vibrant nation into
slave labor for the pharaoh, the Lord spoke a powerful word to them. He said, “This
month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of
the year to you. (KJV)” God told them to put the past behind you. Today is
beginning of time in your life! You are no longer slaves to Egypt or the
memories you have of that lifestyle. A new thing has begun: the life that God
has chosen for you!
The
reality is this: through Christ, any day can be a spiritual New Year’s Day for
you! Once you have experienced THAT day, the rest are to be used in fulfilling
the mission given to us by our Heavenly Father. Many equate being born again to
the day I’m describing. That is a fitting analogy. However, THAT day may
actually come after you have become a Christian. One minister I heard refer to
someone after this experience as “being saved saved!”
You
see, the nation of Israel was already God’s chosen people. He spoke that over
them generations before this experience. The day referred to in Exodus 12 was
the beginning of a journey that would bring Israel into the realization of
their destiny.
I
have chosen a “theme” for 2013: Seeing the Unseen in 2013! In Jeremiah 29:11
(NKJV) the Lord declares, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,
says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a
hope.” I believe that is still His desire today; not just on New Year’s Day,
but any day that we are willing to hear this word and allow it to penetrate the
spiritual din generated by our environment. THAT day can occur ANY day that we
finally hear the Lord speak to our hearts the truth concerning our place in His
Kingdom.
In
the grand scheme of things New Year’s Day is just another day. My prayer for
you in 2013 is that you experience THAT day, which if truly embraced, will
change your life forever.
3 comments:
That's so true Dudley ! Makes me think of each day as a brick in the foundation of one's life. Each and every day (brick) is important in the process of building a life in which we become more Christ-like. That process continues until we meet Him face to face and oh what a day that will be !
Thank you for sharing your nuggets of gold ! I'll stay tuned. Love ya !
Sandi
I have spent the last few hours thinking about how this year can be better. I have thought about all the "resolutions" I have made in the past. I have thought about how I can be a better parent, spouse, friend this year. Something about it seems so cliche this year. I have had a lot of false starts in my life. Not all were terrible, but they just didn't launch me into what I thought they would at the time. I don't know if this year will be different. I just know that I want it to be different. I want something that is lasting, not just another emotional high. Not just another experience with God. I am ready for intimacy with my Creator. I am ready to hear his heartbeat. Know him and be known by Him...
I can't wait to see what God has in store for 2013. Thanks for sharing.
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