December 31, 2023: A New Thing
- Liana V.
- Dec 31, 2023
- 3 min read
A New Thing
““Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV
Have you ever felt discouraged because of your past? Whether it's your own past failures or flaws, or previous relational experiences. It can feel hard leaving the old things behind. If I'm being real, I have drug a trailer of former things behind me for a long while.
I've been discouraged by my own failure. I've put up walls to prevent people from drawing too close. I've had to manage trust and expectations. I've been fearful to move forward at times.
”Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.“
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
So much ensnares us doesn't it? I get so bogged down from time to time. Heavy even. (Isaiah 61:3) How do we shake off the heaviness, discouragement, and fear, that me might walk in freedom fulfilling all God has called us to?
I do believe returning to basics is always beneficial. And there are 2 basic principles that I believe can set us free. The first is: praise. Praise can be referred to in another way: giving God thanks. We acknowledge who God is, what He has done, and is doing (even if we dont understand or can't see His tangible goodness in the moment). I don't think thanks is enough- I think we need to take it a step further and give God thanks publically- declaring it to not just ourselves, but to our friends, family, or anyone who will listen.
That leads to the second: Faith. One reason I think declaring our thanksgiving and praise is essential is because it builds or faith. I think there are different types and levels of faith. We all have personal faith. This is the faith we’re responsible for building up. There is also the imparted Spirit of Faith which comes from God. I'm definitely in the boat of need to grow more faith. I don't know about you but I want to see the lame walk, the blind see, I want to see what only God can do happen. I don't want to just see it I want to have faith to see it before it happens.
”These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”“
John 16:33 NKJV
This year you can walk into the new year confident full of faith and praise, believing the best is yet to come. Leave the heaviness, discouragement, and fear here in this day, in this year. Step into 2024 free, lighter, and ready for whatever is brought your way.
Happy New Year Olives! We're wishing you the best and most extraordinary year in 2024.
I love this song and thought I'd share it with you given the main text for today. Much love from us to you!
Thanks for sharing this, Liana. I can definitely relate and have received a similar inviation from the Lord as well as some of the same verses. Keep sharing what God is putting in your heart! Your vulnerability here is a blessing. Proud of you :-)
Amen! Blessings to all