Doing A New Thing In The New Year

By Scott David in Devotions on
No comments

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/adb/53808540/files/2015/01/img_1093.jpg

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18-21‬ ESV)

Welcome 2015! New Years are about new things. It is a time that seems very convenient to reflect upon the past 12 month of our lives, and purpose changes toward the coming months. It truly is just another day, yet another day on an entirely new calendar. It seems fresh, hopeful, and bright to begin something new.

In Isaiah, God told the nation of Israel that he was going to do something new. This new thing was going to “spring forth” in a way that the nation would be able to “perceive it.” When God decides to do this “new thing,” he does a couple of things that may be helpful for us to think on as we decide new things for this new year.

  1. He had a plan in place that recorded “what” he was going to do, and “how” it would do it.
  2. He was “resolute” about the new thing he would do. “I ‘will’ make a way.”
  3. God’s new thing had benefit both for himself and others. The people would have a path, a plan, and a new focus to praise God. God would receive the benefit of worship. He knows “why” he will do the new thing.

If it seems good to you, let these three perspectives guide your New Year’s resolutions. Make a plan of “what” you will do and “how” you will accomplish this plan. Bring this plan into God’s presence though prayer and become “resolved” that you will bring these resolutions to pass. Lastly, answer for yourself “why” you are making your resolution. God’s purpose was to benefit both himself and others. Our resolutions should be similar; they should bring praise to God, and should be beneficial to ourselves and others. Do your resolutions meet this criteria?

Happy New Year! May this year be a year of doing new things in new ways for the glory of God!

Published by Scott David

My name is Scott David and I live in Minnesota. My wife and I have been married for 23 years and we have 4 children. I am reformed in my doctrine and confessional; as we hold to the 1689 London Baptist Confession. I am convinced by Scripture that I am to lead my family to the throne of grace through daily devotions and prayer. These posts are currently the devotions that we do each night. If you decide to participate in doing these devotions with your family; know that we are doing them right along side you. May the Lord add his blessing to his Word and your desire to serve him through day by day devotions.

Leave a comment