Hope for the New Year

by Joyce Sykes
Published January 8, 2008

Happy New Year! Words repeated a million times in the last few days as we began a brand new day in a brand new year. Many have made New Year’s Resolutions. It may be dieting and exercising, or getting out of debt or developing a deeper relationship within our family. Maybe the plans include a new home or just remodeling the old one. Yet the mentality is to start something new and fresh for the ‘new year’.

It’s also a good time to do some new soul searching. Are we as close to the Lord as we desire? On the other hand, as we look inward, do we realize that there is a need for some “New Year’s Resolutions’ in that area? Are we nearer to our goal of becoming more “Christ-like’ then we were a year ago? There are a thousand and one questions with equally as many answers.

However, the most important question should be asked before the Lord as we seek His heart and face. “Lord, am I where I should be? Is this where I should be at this time in our relationship? Father, I know that I have taken a few steps backwards at times, but I really want to be a good follower, a good steward and most of all a child with which You are pleased. So Lord, I ask in all honesty, am I where I should be?”

Then we sit quietly before the Lord waiting for that still small voice. However, another question arises; are we willing to listen to His honest answers? Our answer might come through a verse, or maybe in the words of a song. We might even hear it through the voice of a child or loved one. Nevertheless, as we honestly seek His face we will find our answers.

Resolutions are costly. Some require hard word and effort to bring the desired results. We must freely sacrifice time and energy to study and read His Word. Prayer, praise and worship are part of the equation too. Seeking His face for Who He is; praising His Name for the many blessings and mercies shown to us. Not a ‘give me, give me’ time but time spent giving thanks for who He is in our life.

It’s also our chance to make a u-turn in our actions and attitudes and with the Lord’s help become more like Him. Jacob is a perfect example of the changes that happen in a life when we encounter the Lord. Prior to this encounter in Genesis 32, Jacob was always conniving to get the best part of a deal for himself. His very name meant ‘deceiver, trickster, and schemer’ and he fully lived up to it. Yet after wrestling with the ‘Angel of the Lord’ we see a major attitude adjustment. This short meeting forever changed Jacob’s life.

We too must learn to encounter the ‘Angel of the Lord’ on a daily basis. As we spend time with the Lover of our soul, we will find our soul, heart and mind forever changed. The Lord will never deny any heart open to receiving more. As we seek Him, we become more pliable in the ‘Master Potter’s’ hand.

I pray that this New Year will find you often in the presence of the Lord. May your heart truly become more pliable in the Master’s hand each day through this ‘new year’. May you feel the tug of the Lord’s hand as He draws you close. Most of all may your encounters with the Lord change your heart forever. Many blessings to each of you throughout this coming year.

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