New Year Same God

A brand new year is upon us and everyone is making goals and resolutions... all with the hope of self improvement in some form. 

"New Year New Me!" is the mantra.

 This sounds great,  but doesn't work. The reason for this is the fact that it's completely self-focused....and highly annoying! 

Focusing on ourselves is futile since we are imperfect. Only when we take our eyes and focus off of ourselves and out of our own head can we begin to truly change.  Transformation comes from within not from without.

We as humans have things to deal with in this life that go beyond our ability to improve ourselves through positive thinking.  Things that are imperfect, unfair, hurtful, painful, discouraging, and unjust. There is no way to process it all in our own strength. Those "why" questions begin to pop up. When we are tempted to give in to discouragement, we must return to the Truth. When we have big God questions, we start with what we know is true of God and His Word and go from there. 

Perhaps instead of a "new me" what we all need is a fresh reminder of the same God who never changes...

When our earthly father abandons us, we have a Heavenly Father who is faithful. He will never leave us. 

When we are in unfamiliar surroundings, Jesus is with us. He is Emmanuel. Literally God With Us.

When we feel burdened, we are instructed to come to Christ and He will give us rest.

When we are prone to worry and anxiety, Jesus tell us not to worry or be anxious about our life. He also reminds us that worrying cannot add one single second to our lives. 

When we are completely undone, Jesus tells us that He gives us His peace...a peace that this world cannot offer.  He tells us to not let our hearts be troubled.

Every human need we have, Jesus Christ is the answer. When we focus on ourselves, we will be left lacking. When we're focused on Christ, we are given a sweet peace that is complete.

Last year was tough. I completely dismantled my life, my surroundings, and my belongings. Everything that was familiar was no more. The only thing that got me through it was my daily habitual reading of God's Word. From Genesis to Revelation, I read a portion each and every day and it was my saving grace. I completed my reading of the Bible last month and started anew a few days ago. The Word of God brings life. It is the only constant in a world of chaos and change. I encourage you to commit to reading the Bible through this year. It will change you and keep you.

So, in 2022, I will not focus on a new me, but rather, I will set my mind and heart on the same God. He never changes. He will never leave or forsake me, and only He can give me true peace. He Himself is the Prince of Peace, and He is Emmanuel...God with us. 

This sweet picture of my beautiful happy Romeo frolicking in our backyard snow reminds me that location does not matter. What matters is who we have with us. He is happy because he is with us, the family that loves him. The same is true for us. When we have Christ, we are at home in Him, no matter where we are.

                                     "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." ~ Psalm 23:1