Renew Yourself with God

“What makes life worthwhile is having a big enough objective, something which catches our imagination and lays hold of our allegiance, and this the Christian has in a way that no other person has. For what higher, more exalted, and more compelling goal can there be than to know God?” - J.I. Packer

The end of another year is upon us. For many, it's a time to let go of the old, tattered and worn year and look forward to the new, promising one. When the new year begins, we are usually brimming with enthusiasm and optimism.

We see it as chance to start over; wipe the slate clean; have a fresh start. What might preoccupy our minds are thoughts of implementing a new exercise program. trying out the latest diet, organizing our finances, or initiating new relationships.

However, this is also an ideal time to perform a check-up of your relationship with the Lord. As in any relationship, it's natural for us to experience ups and downs. Bonds need to be forged; there's no other way. Yet, if everything is as it should be, our bond with God should strengthen as it matures.

But, pause and think for a moment. There might have been times during this past year when you felt closer to God than others. Maybe there were even some occasions when you felt that your prayers went unanswered. Or, maybe there was a time or two when you were graciously blessed in some way.

These are quite natural occurrences within the correlation between Our Lord, and ourselves. Should we worry? Well, I suppose that, too, would be a normal reaction. The important thing is not to let it bog us down (Jude 24). You need to keep pressing onward, praying for forgiveness and guidance.

People tend to forget that God knows all about us; this means everything (Isaiah 44:24)! We like to think of God in "human" terms. In other words, as if He were one of us. This includes the same thoughts, feelings, fears, weaknesses, etc. In itself that is fine, after all, we do this because we are both, human and mortal (Daniel 4:35).

Our own actions change, or react due to things such as passions, or fears. Afterwards we might feel guilt, or regret; but not so with God. His ways are immutable, or unchangeable. There is nothing that could ever affect, change, or surprise Him, whatsoever (Psalm 135:6). That's what makes our relationship with Him so wonderful and loving (Job 37:23).

Believe me when I tell you that He is quite aware of our frailties and imperfections (Jeremiah 23:24). As with any caring Father, he is loving, kind, and understanding, but can hand out discipline when it is needed. Because we are who we are, He realizes our relationship with him will ebb and flow (Psalm 147:5).

Sadly, many give up having any relationship with God when the road gets bumpy, and the wheels fall off. No one ever said that our earthly life would be free of lumps and bruises (1Peter 1:6-7). At that point, you have a couple of options: you either can whine about how God has forsaken you, and left you when you needed him the most; or, you can dust yourself off, tighten your belt, and press on.

Honestly, how can any relationship get stronger if you give up on it? It's easy to throw in the towel, and walk away. But, the mark of a committed partner with God is one who takes their medicine and continues on (John 15:3-4). God doesn't give up on us. Knowing this then, doesn't it make sense that we should reciprocate?

Therefore, as you run through your end-of the-year, relational self-check with God, don't be too hard on yourself if it (your relationship) isn't where you think it should be. What's truly important is that you still have one.

Is it too late to start anew? Never! Can it be improved? Certainly! There's always room for that. Keep in mind that you and I are a perpetual "work in progress." Just remain faithful and focused. God will take care of the rest!

Scripture: Isaiah 40:28; Hebrews 4:13; Isaiah 42:9; Numbers 23:19; Ezekiel 11:5

Prayer: Dear Lord, let the new year be filled with the things that are truly good—with the comfort of warmth in our relationships, with the strength to help those who need our help and the humility and openness to accept help from others. Amen

Wishing you a blessed and safe New Year!

Alexa