This is a new Year, and God gives us a new life
Since it's a new year, and everybody's trying out new things and changing their ways, why don't we try living with a new life? Through the prophet Ezekiel, we learn that God offers us a new heart. Unlike a physical heart transplant which prolongs our earthly life, this spiritual transformation that God gives us radically changes our lives. Jesus taught that from the heart proceeds the issues of life. As such, when Jesus gives us a new heart, all aspects of our lives are impacted. Through Christ, we are a new creation, and the old things have passed away, and the new things have come. We have a new life.
Our sin is forgiven, our guilt and shame are washed away. Now our struggles even seem different. Since we are forgiven, we can forgive. We have received mercy, so we can be merciful. The creator of all things has valued us, so we do not have to prove our value to anyone, not even ourselves. Our self-image is transformed as we see ourselves through the eyes of the one who knows us best and deems us worthy of his sacrifice. We have an eternal hope that never changes, even though circumstances may. We have a fundamental joy that supersedes the trials and tribulations of this life. We have a new life.
Even with our newfound value, this does not mean our circumstances are automatically changed. Also, it doesn't mean that other people are changed. For example, our unfair and condescending boss may still be unkind and unreasonable. We, however, are different. We can see things differently, understand things differently, and respond differently to the issues of life. This is because we are new creatures in Christ. What a radical and transformational concept that Jesus described us being born again. We can live new because we are new. We have a new life through Jesus Christ.
What an amazing way to look at this next year. I hope those that have heard this take heart to this and just think about the moment that this is a new year, new beginnings, and a new life. So let me pray, God, I thank you so much for the year that you've given us. And Lord, we ask that you give us the strength and the guidance for the year to come in ahead. Lord, you are giving us new life and new hope. And we know that we give you all the glory and praise and Lord, you provide the strength for us. And I pray, Lord, that you just keep us going track, worshiping you, letting you guide our way and protecting us through anything that faces us. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.