One of the beautiful things about a New Year is that it can give us a sense of a fresh start! God has designed our earth, so each day ends with the hope that tomorrow is a new day. At the end of the week, we can say to ourselves; “That was an exhausting week, but come Monday, I have a new week!” As we go into a new year, we can choose to put last year behind us and seek the Lord as to the NEW things He has for us this year. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19a). As you begin this new year, ask the Lord what new thing He has for you. As Isaiah 43:19 hints, God has probably already given you some signs as to what these new things are. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to it.
Ephesians 4:22-24 says we are to put off the old self with its “deceitful desires.” In other words, these are desires that creep up into our hearts that deceptively lead us down harmful or self-defeating paths. Many of them involve cravings for more of something that in the end has a negative impact on us. For example, craving unhealthy foods, more money or quick get-rich schemes, fame or popularity, more beauty, success, attention from others, or unhealthy relationships. These things can become consuming passions leading us to self-centered driven behaviors that ultimately do not satisfy. They will never be enough and leave us feeling tired and defeated.
God wants us to put on our new self. But how? We are “made new in the attitude of our minds” (Ephesians 4:24). When we seek first the Kingdom of God and how we can please Him and become more like Him, then all our other needs will fall into place (see Matthew 6:33). Ask the Lord to give you healthy attitudes and perspectives of yourself, others, and your journey with God. Answer this question: What one attitude does the Lord want me to have as I begin this year? Write it down. Post it. Remind yourself every day throughout this month. For me, it is: “I am never too old to learn a new thing! So, I will pursue learning more about filming. It is a New Year! He is doing a NEW THING! Do you not perceive it?