We often approach the new year with the resolve to change ourselves. The usual suspects in line for change are of course our bodies, our relationships, our financial status, and perhaps our level of commitment to the LORD. But after my many years of struggling to understand why this resolve only lasts a few short weeks, I think I finally figured it out. It seems our focus may be more on the areas we want to change than on the strategies we’re required to use to bring about those changes. And the strategies we need are already embedded in the WORD OF GOD.
In Second Corinthians 5:17, Paul tells us that IF anyone is in CHRIST, he IS a new creation; old things HAVE PASSED AWAY, and behold, ALL THINGS have become new. The word “new” immediately jumps out, but even more than that, the past participle form of the words “passed” and “become” let us know that, in Christ, it has ALREADY taken place, but the requirement to take hold of this miraculous ability to change lies in our willingness to renew our minds. Romans 12:1-2 gives the foundation for this biblical principle that we often quote but are not willing to CONTINUE walking out because, quite frankly, it’s very uncomfortable.
In order to experience the newness of external circumstances, which seems to occur so effortlessly in every other part of GOD’S creation, we have to first be willing to offer and present our bodies to the LORD as a living sacrifice. What does this look like? Daily, hourly, sometimes even minute by minute, I must not only remember that my life, my body, my relationships, my finances – those things that I’m desiring to change – are NOT MINE to manipulate, but belong to a merciful GOD Who is allowing me to steward them for the time I have here on earth. With that in mind, I have no business trying to change them the way I THINK they should be changed. I must rely on the power, wisdom, and direction of the HOLY SPIRIT to help me walk out the parts of the WORD which will give me specific actions to take towards making better choices in these areas. And because the HOLY SPIRIT does not interfere where HE is not invited, I continue to stumble over the steps where I am required to DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY than I have in the past. I keep going back to the same old actions, foolishly expecting the calendar to motivate me on January 1.
This New Year, my prayer is that we all will begin to surrender – our will, our methods, our dependence on our way of solving problems and getting rid of stress – all of it to the LORD as we present ourselves to HIM. And as we do, may we take hold of the courage to reject doing things the way the world does and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to give us new strategies that will bring transformation GOD’S way. May our TRUST in HIS divine wisdom, sovereignty, and plan supersede all other attitudes and mindsets. And may our obedience bring about the changes GOD is ordaining and orchestrating – not for our glory, but for HIS.
Prayer: FATHER, thank You for bringing us to a new year. Our desire is to fully please you, and for Your will to be done in our lives, our health, our relationships, and our finances. We ask for the help of Your HOLY SPIRIT, Who has been sent to walk alongside us and bring us to the place of transformation as we cooperate by allowing our minds to be renewed. Thank You for already making all things new by the power of Your SON JESUS’ Blood. We receive HIS finished work on the cross, and offer ourselves to You to transform for Your glory. In JESUS’ Mighty Name we pray, Amen.