New Year, New Way

WE KNOW IT’S A NEW YEAR, BUT YOU MAY BE WONDERING “NOW WHAT?”

Part of our challenge as humans is we tend to operate in routines or in patterns. Often those are great and needed.

But we also know that sometimes our routine or pattern is not the thing to do. Addictions, poor health choices, sexual promiscuity or self seeking actions all can be sources of struggles, frustration and even physical deterioration.

So let’s consider our sermon title for today, New Year, New Way. Our sermon verse for today is Jesus speaking to Mary Magdalene very soon after His resurrection.

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” —John 20:17

Jesus was, in effect, saying this: “I know you desire to keep Me here, always present with you. I know you want everything to be just the same as before I died. But our relationship is about to change. I’m going to heaven, You need to start walking by faith, Mary, not by sight.”

As we look to the upcoming year, here are some suggestions for facing the challenges of the New Year.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain. —Hebrews 10:19-20

So today I want to offer 3 encouragements for all of us as we enter into 2023.

1. God is the center of our life and spiritual growth.

Consider a big strong oak tree. It was created by God and it simply remains where it is planted. Its growth is not evident to the human eye. It is slow, steady, and consistent growth nonetheless.

The same can be true for you, but you must lay aside all of your preconceived ideas, self focus and expectations.

My soul, wait only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. —Psalm 62:5

We wait on the Lord, we trust Him to grow us BUT so often we want to “help” God grow us. AMEN Sometimes we feel a pressure to read more, pray more or…just DO MORE.

Yet our growth and development are rooted in The Lord. Let the Lord set the pace for you. One scripture I really embrace more as I get older is Paul’s word to the Philippians

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6

2. Feelings of discouragement and frustration are common.

Feelings of discouragement, frustration and even depression are common to all of us. Even King David went through bouts of discouragement and depression.

My soul is in despair within me; Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. —Psalm 42:6

To be in despair is a reference to discouragement or depression. We all have times like that. But that is why we must turn our thoughts away from the circumstances and what we could have or should have done.

Paul said

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. —Galatians 2:20

Now is all you’ve got and by the grace of God, now is where you can live. Last encouragement for today

3. Avoid comparing yourself with others.

Paul again reveals to us

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. —2 Corinthians 10:12

Other people are not the standard and what God is doing with them is not relevant to you. You have your own journey, to walk and God uniquely works within you.

Peter, having just heard about his future suffering, looks at Jon and asks Jesus about John’s future. Jesus says

Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” —John 21:22

Our part is simple—look to Jesus and follow Him.
King David was falsely accused by people, rejected, isolated, and abandoned.
Listen to his words in Psalm 131

O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. —Psalm 131:1-3

As you face this New Year, the challenges may be great, but the opportunities are even greater. Opportunities individually and for us as a church family.

And God’s amazing grace is readily available to sustain you. So go for it, by walking humbly yet boldly in the confidence of the Lord

Then as far as this new year is concerned you can boldly say … “BRING IT ON!”