First of all, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy 2016! I hope the holidays went well for you and your families. I must admit it was a little hectic around our house, but we all managed to survive in good shape!
One sure sign of the beginning of another new year is the inundation of advertisements for weight-loss programs, various types of clutter organizers, and exercise machinery; to name only a few. The aim of all of this is to entice us, maybe shame us, into a complete do-over for the new year.
Yes, I am guilty of too many goodies, and not enough exercise (I blame it on the weather) during the holidays. Of course, watching all of those informercials doesn't help, either. And, as for any new resolutions this year, let me just say this: I learned my lesson long ago (I won't elaborate on this!)
I know that many of us also get a little spiritually spent from time to time. You know the feeling. We start getting lax about reading the Bible, we begin to sleep in on Sunday rather than go to church, maybe our prayer lives aren't what they were, or could be, and so on and so forth.
Even if your spiritual life is on fire and everything's going great a little tune-up couldn't hurt, right? And what better time to assess your relationship with Jesus Christ than the present. This just might be the ideal time to joosh-up a lackluster spiritual life! (Psalm 51:10)
It's not often in life that we are given an opportunity for a "do-over." Usually, if we mess up we are out of luck. Fortunately, this is not the case when it comes to our relationship with Christ. There is no obstacle, sticking point, or sin too great to overcome. If we fall, He's there to help us to our feet. When we cry, He's there to give us comfort; when we slip up and sin, He offers forgiveness. (James 3:2)
Maybe some of you feel that things have gone too far, and there's nothing that could ever be done to repair your relationship with Him. Or, that it's too late to try and establish a relationship with Christ at this stage in the game. Not a chance; on both counts! (Isaiah 55:6)
That's the beauty of walking with Christ. He doesn't judge, point fingers, whisper behind your back, or give you funny looks. There is nothing that you or I could do to ever change the way He feels about us. Christ embodies pure, non-judgmental, and forgiving love (Psalm 119:105).
Sadly, a lot of people spend their entire lives looking for fulfillment in earthly things. They pin their hopes and dreams on jobs, careers, relationships, clothes, houses, cars, etc. I'm not saying that these are necessarily bad, but they can all disappear at any time. They are not "sure" things (Colossians 3:2).
As I said earlier, maybe now might be a good time to take another look at your spiritual life. Why not set some fresh, new goals in regards to your journey with Christ over the next year. If some things didn't work for you this past year, toss them and try something else. Fresh out of ideas? Pray and ask God for inspiration, you just might be pleasantly surprised!
Honestly, it's never too late to strike up, or fix a relationship with Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:10). As long as you sincerely seek Him, and are willing to commit your life to him, He will take care of the rest. Dust off that Bible and crack it open; attend a church in your community; re-new your prayer life. These are a few suggestions that will help get the ball rolling.
There is no more important relationship than one with Jesus. He is always available to us. He won't force himself on you, or make you feel guilty if you don't take him up on his offer. It's totally our call, our decision to come to Him. He wants us to have ownership in our relationship with him. (Romans 15:29)
I hope this will help make 2016 the best spirit-filled year you've had so far. Additionally, I close today by quoting from Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Here's to a happy and blessed new year to all of you!
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:13; Philippians 2:5; Psalm 119:11
Prayer: Almighty and eternal God, draw our hearts close to you, guide our minds, fill our imaginations, and control our minds, so that we may be wholly yours, and utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Valleree
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