All Things New
Today’s scriptures: Romans 8:28-29, Isaiah 43:18-19, Revelation 21:5
Strategic Focus: All Things New
Movement 1: Reflecting on the Past Year
Read:
‘And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and He chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.’
Romans 8:28-29
Reflect:
As we enter into a new year, it is common for us to look back at the past year and reflect upon all that happened. One thing is for certain: no one had a perfect year. Every year is full of ups and downs, hills and valleys, memories we love and cherish as well as ones we’d rather forget.
There should not only be reflection on things that happened to us, but there should be reflection on things that happened in us. How are we becoming more like Jesus? Was I open to the idea that the experiences and situations of the past year can make me more like Him? Or did I bury them, move on quickly, and make no time for reflection?
Pray:
Take time now to look back on significant situations and experiences from the past year. Perhaps write them down in a journal. Ask God how He wants to use those to draw you closer to him and make you more like him.
Movement 2: Reflect, Don’t Dwell
Read:
‘”Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Reflect:
Sometimes when we reflect on the past, we can get stuck there. We can start to feel guilt and toxic shame pile up. Those are not from the Lord. While his spirit will gently correct us, bring us back, and restore us, there is no condemnation in his voice. In this verse, He tells us to forget the former things and not dwell on the past. Why? Be-
cause He is doing a new thing! No matter the events of the past day, week, or year, He is constantly working to restore you. He wants to make you more like him. He wants to do a new thing in your life.
Pray:
Take time now to ask for forgiveness for times that you rebelled against God over the past year or sinned against someone. Hear the father saying to you, “I see you. I hear your regret. I can understand how big this is for you. I can do something about this regret you are feeling. I forgive you. I love you, my son/daughter. I will always love you and fight for you and pursue you.” Sit with him and feel his loving arms around you.
Movement 3: All Things New
Read:
‘He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”’
Revelation 21:5
Reflect:
As I look at this verse and the verses from Isaiah 43 above, I am struck by the verb tense. God doesn’t say that He is going to make things new in the future. He says He is in the process of doing a new thing right now. He is making everything new right now.
Do you believe that He is doing a new thing in you right now? Do you believe He is working in your life as we speak? As you look forward to the new year, I encourage you to ask God to reveal the areas in your life where He wants to do something new. What relationships does He want to restore? What unbelief does He want to root out? What chains does He want to break?
Pray:
Take time now to be still and reflect on these questions. Remember, it tells us in Revelation that these words are trustworthy and true – He is making everything new, and that means in your life as well.
Let the truth of this song wash over you: