New BeginningsSample

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 

- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Out with the Old, in with the New

With a new year, there's typically an air of expectancy for what's to come. For some, the new year could mean a fresh start, and a chance to get away from the messy chaos of the year prior. For others, looking at the blank slate of a whole year can get pretty overwhelming.

We go into the new year with high expectations; we want to accomplish new goals, create healthy habits, and finally work on those resolutions we tend to fail at each year. Does anyone else say, "This is my year!" every single year, only to quit after a week or two? We want to be better, so why can't we just get it right? 

I'm learning that the expectations I have over my life don't have to rest in my New Year's resolutions. Now, don't get me wrong; goal-setting is a great practice. I encourage setting goals for ourselves. However, there is a fine line between letting our goals simply be goals and letting them become where our hope lies. We're human; we will inevitably fail. Resolutions are accomplished, but they also fall through. Regardless, we do not lose hope because when we fail, our God does not.

As we start a new year, let's cling to the hope of the gospel, which can be easier said than done. For the next few days, we'll talk about what that can look like practically for us and how the grace of God carries us in every season. 

Ask and apply: 

1. Read Psalm 62. What aspect of God’s character do you see here? 
2. As Christians, we can have the confidence of knowing that this world is not our eternal home. So how do we cope amid difficulty here on earth? Take some time to wrestle, really wrestle, with God through the tough questions you have for Him. Journal out doubts, fears, hurts, and even dreams that you have. Don’t be afraid to be honest with God; He wants us to come to Him with everything. 
3. After journaling your thoughts and questions, write down the attributes of God that stood out to you from Psalm 62.