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“See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” Isaiah 42:9 (ESV)

Flipping the calendar to 2018 feels ever so good. It’s an adventure to discover the unfolding of 365 days we’ve never traveled. Great time to reflect on the past and redirect our steps towards what will serve us well.  Best way to welcome a new year – full of anticipation and excitement.

Routines, comfort zones and ease of doing life the same often rob us of the beauty of discovering  new paths.  But that doesn’t have to be in the case. What happened or didn’t happen in the past doesn’t dictate the future.  2018 offers us a clean slate – a new beginning.  An opportunity to carve in margin for new, a breaking free of some old that didn’t serve us well.

Whether you’re a goals girl or a resolution maker it really doesn’t matter.  We can write or promise anything; however, self awareness propelled by passion and  discipline is the winning combination.

Self awareness simply means looking into the mirror of our souls (James 2:24-25).  Being totally honest about those things we did well and those we didn’t. Evaluating where we veered off course.  Did we run ahead of God?  Did we manipulate circumstances?  Maybe God wasn’t even figured into the equation. Perhaps He shed light on our weaknesses and we chose to ignore His voice.  Let’s fill in the blanks and seek His forgiveness and grace and celebrate the victories.

Passion is the driving force that moves us from self awareness towards transformation.  What inspires us?  What motivates us to lean into what God desires?  For me it can be summed up in one word “Love.”  Throughout scripture, we are encouraged to love the Lord our God with our heart, mind, soul and strength (Mark 12:30).  Committed wholehearted love actively desires to please the One they love.  God’s extravagant love towards us should be more than enough to draw our hearts to His.

Self awareness acknowledges, passion drives us and discipline seals the deal.  It keeps us moving towards transformation even when it’s tough.  Discipline positions us to receive God’s best (Hebrews 10:35-36) and it endures hard work despite slow progress.  Never quitting or giving up – continually pressing on.

2018 begins today.  365 days to glorify God.  The choice is up to us.  Will we walk towards new or cling to old?

“Father, You offer each of us new mercies, compassion and unfailing love. May 2018 be the year when we cease serving self and totally commit to following hard after You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life