Friends, sometimes directions can get the best of us. Be it trying to find a destination, build a creative project, or bake a new recipe – directions come in handy because they tell us the best way to perform the tasks ahead to get the desired results we are hoping for. Some directions we may not understand until we get to the middle or end of a project and then we realize why they said to do a certain thing (and if you are like me, sometimes you have to pull it all apart and start over the “right way”). What’s true in the natural is even more true in the spiritual. Every instruction, correction, direction, or command we read in the Bible we may not understand, but one thing we can always understand is, that God knows what He is doing. He knows how to get the end results we desire. Our job today and every day is to just “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6). God knows what He’s doing in your life.
“Out with the old, in with the new,” they say. Whether we are using that phrase to declutter closets or our lives, it awakens us to the possibility of allowing something fresh to enter.
Fresh can’t come when we hold on to unprofitable and unproductive things which is why countless individuals use the passing of the old year into the new as a marker for change in many areas of their lives.
As time goes by, we can often get into ruts or feel stale in our routines and daily lives, and we need this refreshing point to reinvigorate us, to reevaluate and reawaken our perspective, and challenge our resolve to do better and to do more. This is a time for redirecting paths that may have gone off-kilter in our relationships, work, ministry, health, life, etc.
When bringing in the new, what are we looking for? That is a question only you can answer for yourself.
When introducing the new for myself, I am looking for an increased awareness of distractions to my goals, which can help me navigate each one as it comes in a fitting manner.
Knowing that distractions will come since we live this thing called life, I am also trying to be more aware of my priorities. How do I best use my time each day to get the most out of the gifts and life God has given me? Am I spending the proper amount of time developing the things that I say are “priorities,” or am I just talking about them?
There is a measure of accountability with oneself that comes with those questions. Am I happy with what I see? If not, what can I do to improve those areas? Where and how can I inspire and challenge change?
Approaching the idea of new is not supposed to be stressful or put a sour taste in your mouth as you grit words of resolve through your teeth. It is a breath of fresh air, bringing with it renewed inspiration to work and/or improve areas of my own life where I desire to see positive adjustments made.
There are countless stories in the Bible where people had the chance to start over and walk into the new, but two of my favorites are Ruth and Abraham. I find their experiences encouraging for all who are pressing forward and inviting this level of change in their lives.
Ruth, especially, in the natural, lost everything. And when she was willing to walk away from everything familiar, comfortable, and reliable – she found what she was walking toward to be so much more fulfilling.
Her story, like Abraham’s, stretched them to go forward into an unknown future, and holding on to faith in God, they went. Neither one of them knew exactly where each step would lead, but they walked forward and were greatly rewarded for their press, for their diligence, and for their continued faith in God.
Starting over, bringing in the new, and allowing these fresh steps to happen can look different for each person. The example of Ruth and Abraham can teach us all a little something about letting go of an unprofitable past and moving forward in faith (take time to read their stories in the Bible).
I don’t know what last year looked like for you and can’t predict what’s in store for this year. As with Ruth and Abraham, we may not have all the answers about the future we are currently going into, but through it all, may we be found moving in the forward press of our faith in God. As we are walking into the new and opening the door of our lives to allow this freshness in, be confident that He has us, and may we continue holding on to Him as we trust in God’s guiding hand, for He is the “same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” Psalm 48:14
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8
Is the familiar holding you back? Has the comfort of where you are now satisfied you into a state of complacency and false ease? Has fear paralyzed your progress forward?
Unknown. Unfamiliar. These words are areas that we don’t know like the place where we are now. But the plans of our life and the order of our steps were never really ours to begin with (Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 119:133).
I will admit, there are some things where I wish the curtain were opened a little wider so that I can see more of the picture hidden behind. But that is not what faith demands (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith asks for trust (Proverbs 3:5-6). And faith asks for our obedience to move forward even if we don’t quite know all the steps or how it will turn out in the end.
The familiar is all around you every day. It can snuggle you like that comfy blanket you drape over you when you want to settle down for the evening and have a nice read or watch a favorite show. But settling is not a place to set up shop when you feel God calling you for more.
Do you feel Him calling? If so, seek His face for guidance, ask Him for help, and when He prompts you to, walk forward in faith.
Blessings to you on your journey to break the chains of familiarity.
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Friends, countless of us use the passing of the old year into the new as a marker for beginning again in many areas of our lives.
And, I believe that’s okay.
As time goes by, we can sometimes get into a rut or feel stale in our routines, life, etc. Using this time as a point of evaluation can wake up our perspective and challenge our resolve to do better, to do more. This time of year is also used by some to reinvent oneself or to redirect one’s path, relationships, work, ministry, health, life, and so on.
So, what do we look for in the new?
Truthfully, that is a question only you can answer for yourself. I can only speak of what I am looking for. When pursuing the new for myself, I look for increased awareness of distractions to my goals which can help me navigate each as they come in a befitting manner.
Knowing that distractions will come since we live this thing called life, I am also trying to be more aware of my priorities. In order to get the most out of the gifts and life that God has given me, how do I best use my time each day? Am I spending my time developing those things that I say are “priorities,” or am I just talking about them?
There is a measure of accountability with oneself that comes with those questions. Am I happy with what I see? If not, what can I do to improve those areas? Where and how can I inspire and challenge change?
Beginning anew is not supposed to put a sour taste in your mouth as you grit out words of resolve through your teeth. To me, it is a breath of fresh air, bringing with it new inspiration to work or improve in areas of my own life where I desire to see positive adjustments made.
There are countless stories in the Bible where people had the chance to start over, to begin again, but two of my favorites are Ruth and Abraham. I find their experiences encouraging for all who are pressing for the new.
Ruth, especially, in the natural, lost everything. And when she was willing to walk away from everything familiar, comfortable, and reliable – she found what she was walking toward to be so much more fulfilling (more on returning to the familiar in an upcoming article).
Her story, like Abraham’s, stretched them to go forward into an unknown future, and holding on to faith in God, they went. Neither one of them knew exactly where each step would lead, but they walked forward and were greatly rewarded for their press, for their diligence, for their continued faith in God.
As I said before, beginning anew can look like so many things to so many people. The example of Ruth and Abraham can teach us all a little something about letting go of an unprofitable past and moving forward in faith (take time to read their stories in the Bible).
These last two years have been something special, to say the least. I can’t predict what’s in store for us this year. As with Ruth and Abraham, we may not have all the answers about the future we are currently going into, but through it all, may we be found moving in the forward press of our faith in God. As we are beginning anew in 2022, be confident that He has us, and may we continue holding on to Him as we trust in God’s guiding hand, for He is the “same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” Psalm 48:14
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8
Many hearts walking around today want God. Feeling void without Him, they fill it with things they think can satisfy the longing deep within.
More and more, the search goes on to try this and that to fill the place only God can fill. Attempt after attempt is made to try something, anything, that will occupy the space called your heart.
Friend, this is where God wants to be. Successes, things, and even people will never be able to do for you what God can do. All the things we try to put in place and accept into that sacred space of our hearts, outside of Him, will never last, will never fill, and will never bring you to the peace you are truly seeking.
Your heart wants God. Your heart will never be happy with anything or anyone else. You may not completely understand how it all works, what it all means, or what this is all supposed to look like, but your heart wants God.
All you have to do is invite Him into that sacred space. Yes, you may have questions, and for some of those questions, there may not be an immediate answer revealed to you. But take that simple first step of faith, and trust God enough to let Him come into your life with His love and saving plan even if you do not immediately have all the answers to the questions you are looking for.
Your heart wants God, and Jesus gave us this promise: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20).
Your heart wants God, and all you have to do is open the door and let Him in. If you do, Jesus said, “I will come in to him.” He loves you, and in your heart is where He wants to be.
Your heart wants God, and God wants your heart. Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37).
Even if you do not understand everything, the Bible encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6).
Today, with all sincerity of heart, look to God. “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” (Lamentations 3:41). “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:22).
Jesus is the only way you will ever find to get to God. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Jesus is the only answer and plan for our spiritual healing. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16, 17).
Today, your heart can have what it genuinely wants. Turn to God through Jesus Christ and be saved. Let Him fill your heart as only He can. “For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.” (Psalm 33:21).
“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalm 27:8
“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.” John 13:23
Are you a disciple? Are you one of the beloved? Are you as he who sits in fellowship with his Lord?
Then, lean.
Are you savoring time with Him? Are you taking in the words He speaks? Are you resting in His presence?
Then, lean.
Are you struggling in the mire? Are you hanging on by a thread? Are you on the threshold of giving up?
Then, lean.
No matter what the story of our life is telling at this moment. Regardless of the path, be it good or wrought with turmoil. In all cases, and in every way, before we do anything else, we must lean.
Lean into His bosom. Lie close to His heart. Trust Him with your cares. From Him, never depart.
Our strength was never ours on our own. Everything within us was designed to lean. In success and failures, hills and valleys, lean with trust in the Savior who will never let you down.
He is your support, your confidence, and your stay. Jesus loves you. Let Him hold you like only He can while you just lean.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
One day I found myself in a bit of a quandary. After dropping one of my daughters off on her college campus I had to make the decision whether I would jump back on the highway or take the back road. The dilemma: the highway was very congested and moving extremely slow and the back road took longer. I had to be somewhere in an allotted amount of time and wanted to get there as quickly as possible.
Sending up a silent prayer for wisdom I proceeded back onto the highway only to be caught in practically stand-still traffic. Quickly I jumped off the first exit and proceeded to take the back road. Instead of allowing the usual frustration to set in of being sent off course, a thought kept niggling my mind: Enjoy the Ride. The weather was crisp on that first full day of Fall, a few leaves were beginning to change. The “rushing to get where I needed to” thought kept trying to invade this peaceful drive, but the thought would come again: Enjoy the Ride.
Sometimes plans going awry but being taken off course doesn’t have to be frustrating. Sometimes I believe it’s God’s way of telling us to enjoy the journey of life a little more. Schedules are always going to be there but sometimes we have to let go and enjoy the ride. Give it to God and trust Him to lead you to your destination and sit back and enjoy.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path,” Proverbs 3:5-6
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