Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Even though we wish we could see all that is to come this year, let’s open our hands and trust God with the unknown and the new. His goodness, love, and faithfulness continue to be true for us.
May you feel peace knowing that you are a new creation in Christ, that He will renew your heart and offer new mercies every day. May you resist the pressure and temptation to fill up a blank calendar with lofty resolutions and appointments that will stretch you thin. May you remember that you are more than any goal met, any resolution kept, any to-do list checked. You are loved just as you are.
May you find rest in that truth.
A prayer for 2023:
Lord, there is so much ahead of us that we can’t foresee, so much we wish we could control but can’t. We hold all our questions, desires, and longings out to You. We want to trust You, but we acknowledge that we need help with that sometimes. Help us remember who we are, through the lens and truth of who You are. Thank You that we can be anchored in faith when we are tethered to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Ruth Mills says
Satan loves to lie to me that my worth is in the list checked off. Such a rotten low down liar he is! My worth is in my Creator Who has made me a daughter of the Living GOD! TYJ! Happy New Year, Y’all!
Beth Williams says
In Courage,
This year will be better for my family. First off I am kicking Satan to the curb. No longer is he going to steal my joy. My joy comes from God. He makes ALL things new each day. My resolution is to get in shape mentally, physically & emotionally. Take time daily to be with God.
Have a blessed New year!!
Blessings 🙂
Kathy Francescon says
Amen, Beth! Ditto to all you said! May God bless you with great success for your goals!
It’s like you took the words right out of my thoughts! And hey, my maiden name was Williams!! Happy New Year
Stephanie says
Happy New Year! May God bless you abundantly! ❤️
Stephanie says
Thank you for this, and Robin Dance, for your encouragement a few days ago. With my husband now having to deal with a-fib, besides my mom and her dementia, I was dreading the new year. But with the encouragement of you all and a few friends to look for the good in every day no matter how hard, I have decided to re-read One Thousand Gifts and get back to my thanksgiving journal. God bless you all!❤️
Kathy Francescon says
Beautiful and uplifting! Thank you and blessings to you in the New Year also. Loved your prayer! Give God the glory for all!!
Christina says
Beautiful and Amen!
Lisa Holbrook says
Thank you, Beth. I couldn’t have said it better!
Becky says
The past several years have been devastating with several ongoing issues that have stolen any joy I could muster and have put me in the deepest pits of depression and anxiety I have ever been in (and I’ve struggled with mental health for years). My faith has taken a huge hit over these years. I’m not sure how to turn it all around. I admit I am angry with God for what He has allowed to happen. I can’t for the life of me understand what good can ever come out of these things. But, I want 2023 to be a year where I finally find God in the midst of pain. I want to believe He does know what He is doing and rest in Him. I’m not sure what that will look like, but I sincerely hope at the end of 2023 I find myself in a better place.
Shelbi Ong says
Happy New year’s for us all.
Margie says
Eight-eight years of life, and knowing Jesus since I was four. God bless the Lord himself, for being with us every step of the way. I still sing the song I really learned from, and it is “In my heart there rings a melody, in perfect harmony,” and I hope to sing it forever.
Becky Bianchi says
So perfect for this time! Thankyou, and Amen!