I read a beautiful promise this morning from Isaiah 54. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10 – NIV)

Colorado Sunrise

Living in view of the Colorado Rocky Mountains gives new light to this verse. I cannot imagine life without seeing them each day. But if they were to disappear today or tomorrow, I would know that God’s love for me is unfailing.

Regardless of what is happening in your life, you can be assured of this very thing. Life may be rocky. Life may be disappointing. Life may be blah. Life may be beautiful. Wherever you land, you can hold to the fact that God loves you with an unfailing, everlasting, immeasurable love. Pretty cool, huh?

I’m starting over in 2013 to share blog posts from that year on Sunday’s. I pray that “Hello 2013” will bring a smile to your face. Blessings to you today as you walk, sprint, or stroll through your Sunday!

Hello 2013…

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that we have just entered the year 2013. Not for anything in particular, but because time is flying so quickly!

My granddaughter Joy spent New Year’s Eve with us. I had activities planned for each hour to keep her occupied. We celebrated the New Year on Eastern Standard Time. Meaning, we watched the ball drop in Times Square at 10 p.m. and then headed to bed.

As the evening went on, we talked about what a new year meant, we discussed goals, and we thought about the blessings we have in our lives and where these blessings come from (James 1:17).

There were arts and crafts, work sheets, a time capsule, and even party supplies. New Year’s Eve at Baba’s was pretty exciting! So much so, that Joy said, “Time really does go fast when you’re having fun!”

So what does a new year mean to you? Is it a time to forget the mistakes you’ve made this past year? Is it a time for you to set new goals or resolutions? Or perhaps, you look to the New Year in hopes that you’ll just survive?

For many, this day brings hope, light, and newness that the old cannot offer. For others, there is nothing to look forward to. I’m here to tell you that God has a great plan for each of us in the New Year. Actually, His plan works at any point during the year or throughout our lives.

We know from the book of Philippians that it was Paul’s desire to forget the past. To look toward the future. We should listen to Paul’s words and do exactly as he did.

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14 – NIV)

With the grace of God, we are able to forget it all. There’s no need to keep bringing it up. To keep reliving it. Forget it! And know that the prize of heaven awaits you. That’s what we should be reaching for.

And also know that God makes all things new! He can take an old creation that has rips and tears in the soul and create something beautiful. Here are a few verses to show what He is capable of doing.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a – NIV)

“To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3a – NIV)

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:5 – NIV)

God has in the past, is in the present, and will in the future make all things new. It is His desire for us to move from our old way of life and accept His new way. God’s way includes life, love, acceptance, forgiveness, grace, and eternal life to name a few.

There’s a short song written by Steven Curtis Chapman titled “Happy New Year.” It tells the story of one person’s look at the New Year. Take a look at the lyrics.

Happy New Year

The decorations have been moved back to the attic;
Our resolutions and our diets all in place.
As another chapter ends and another one begins;
Slowly now we turn the page.

Out into the midnight sky, I stare in wonder;
At the grand design of how our planet dances with the sun.
And I’m thinkin’ this could be God’s way of whispering
“A story’s being told and the best is yet to come.”

So Happy New Year, Happy New Year.
Another chance to catch a glimpse of what is coming true.
So Happy New Year, Happy New Year.
The God who made everything
Is remaking everything.
The God who made everything
He says I’m making all things new.[i]

If you’d like to listen to this song, click here.

Are you ready to begin this New Year with God’s newness surrounding you? Do you believe that God is able to make all things new? What is God whispering to you? These are questions that only you can answer. I pray that you’ll hear God’s whisper.

Happy New Year!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] © 2012 Chappy Campers Music (BMI) (admin. by Primary Wave/Wixen Music)