This morning we begin a New Year. I sit here by candlelight in the quietness of a typical early morning. It is quite different than the loudness of New Year’s Eve, when my family gathered together drinking soda and playing games celebrating a year past. I never make it up for the “ball drop.” I enjoy sleep. This year; however, the kids got loud and I awoke to hear the ball dropping in the distance, followed by my daughter’s phone flying down the stairs. The New Year surely arrived with a boom.
The Bible tells us not to dwell on the past, not to live in the past, because He is making all things new. When we look back, we look back in remembrance of what the Lord has done. When I look back on 2015, I can see how God moved mightily in the lives of my family. This was a year of new things, a year of equipping, a year of blessings, a year of unity.
I am reminded of the promise of a new thing in Isaiah 43:19: “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” God is doing many new things. To embrace these new things, we are called to continue to move forward following His leading. This is why in Genesis 12, we read that Abraham left his homeland, trusting in the promises of God. This is why in 1 Kings 19, during the calling of Elisha, he burned his plow and slaughtered his oxen—items he used for his livelihood—so he could move forward following God’s plan without ever turning back. This is what caused David to go from shepherd boy to King David. This is what caused Saul the persecutor to become the Apostle. God is alive and active. He continues to do new things.
As I look to the candle by my side, I see the flame flickering off the wicks of the candle. Three wicks. The flames dance around in an awesome, unpredictable way. The light shines bright. I may not be able to guess the movements of the flame, but can feel the ever-present heat, I can see the wild lights. God is also not predictable. We do not know how He will move in your life in 2016—what He will call you to, what He will see you through. But we do know that He will be ever-present, always faithful, alive and active, working all things together for His great purpose for His kingdom and His glory.
As we enter the New Year, 2016, I look forward to what God has planned for my family. I remember the faithfulness of our Father—what He has done to carry us through the year past. Oh what a year!?! I celebrate what He has promised us to come. I rejoice that He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
I am not one for resolutions. Eating healthy. Exercising more. Spending less. Saving more. Positive speaking. Quitting a bad habit. The list goes on. Each day is a great day for a resolution – to love and know God more. This may mean attending church more regularly, reading your Bible daily, joining a small group, serving more. It certainly means praying more. May you know and love Him more this year! Happy New Year friends!
Tania Gutekunst 