In January, many people focus on changes they want to make in their lives, working on becoming better, setting goals, resolutions, or intentions. A phrase that often swirls in the cultural waters this time of year is, New Year, New You.
But perhaps that puts too much pressure on us. What if we shift the focus? What if we don’t look to our own change just yet, but instead focus on God, our eternal God?
So here’s a new phrase I thought of to offer us: New Year, Same God!
This can connect us to love, encouragement, and even rest.
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God rested into the newness of creation. The world began, the universe was newly created, and God rested. So what if the new year begins with rest as we enter it with our Creator? It’s out of rest that we can be centered to grow.
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When first planted, a seed just sits in the ground, receiving the dark earth and water before it sprouts new growth. My artist friend, Jennie Kimbrough, recently shared about this blend of newness and rest, “The time of stillness reaps major changes in our lives.” So again, what if we don’t focus on our own growth as a starting point, but instead the idea that we find here: “Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10, NIV).
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So I’ll repeat the phrase again as an encouragement to those who have a heart to change, grow, and set resolutions: New Year, Same God! We have a God who will be with us and cheer us on, who supplies our needs as we have them. Whether in stillness or growth, God is for us.
Here, then, is a prayer that we can pray: God, as this year begins, thank you that you will continue to be loving and continue to be with me no matter the times or seasons. Thank you that you love me as I am, even as you call me to become more like you. Thank you that in each new year, you are the same.
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First Fruits: January 9, 2023
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After a pause for New Year's, First Fruits will take place this Monday, January 9, at 7pm in the CoCreate Arts Center at Saddleback Lake Forest. Come to create and connect. All creative forms are welcome as we respond to scripture.
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