Take Hold of God’s Blessings

new years day 3

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19

 “Let go of the old so you can completely take hold of the new.” -Joyce Meyers

 

Find a cozy place to spend time with your Lord today. Bring your Bible and your journal. Take a deep breath, calm your spirit, and notice the blessings around you. Rest in God’s peace.

Read Isaiah 43:16-21. Write Isaiah 43:18-19 in your journal.

Take Hold of God’s Blessings

New Year’s resolutions speak to our innate desire to begin anew and transform into a better version of ourselves. The idea that each year brings a fresh start and new opportunities to learn and grow is not only appealing; it is Biblical. In fact, on Mount Sinai God commanded His people to spend the first ten days of each New Year focusing on how to change and grow in the months ahead (Leviticus 23:23-28).

These ten days are called the High Holy Days, culminating with the Day of Atonement on day ten. God’s people are to observe them with earnest prayer, fasting, and introspection. They are to make amends (atone) for their mistakes before the Day of Atonement in order to move on. Then they can start each year with a clean slate and look forward to the blessings ahead. The High Holy Days are a beautiful celebration of God’s grace and redemption.

Your sins don’t accumulate throughout the year until the Day of Atonement arrives; God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Hence, the Day of Atonement is for man, not for God. Even though God has readily forgiven all our sins, we don’t always forgive ourselves so freely. Do you have burdens you have carried for years? Do you have a negative self-image or shame, or some unbearable sin you can’t seem to get past? What about “Mom guilt” from holding yourself to impossible standards?

God doesn’t want His children to live that way; He intends for us to live in freedom! (Galatians 5:1) God has already forgiven our sins, but we need to accept that forgiveness. Only then will we receive the blessings that come along with it. Through this extended New Years celebration, God has given us an annual opportunity to shed our past mistakes and partake in the blessings our Father has laid before us.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18). God made this promise when the Israelites were in the depths of despair, floundering in the dire consequences of their sin. No one is outside of God’s mercy. He is willing to use every obstacle to guide us toward His goodness, but first, we must stop dwelling in the past in order to set our sights on a brighter future.

Just imagine what a difference it would make if you were to start this tradition: each year spend ten days focusing on how God is moving in your life, just as God commanded the Israelites to do. Instead of beating yourself up over eating too many cookies or overspending over Christmas, just let the extraneous burdens go. Instead, focus on how God is working in your life and your heart. It is far too easy to miss what God is doing when you are focused on your own agenda. Chances are, the plans God has for you are better than anything you could come up with anyway.

Questions to Ponder

  • What thoughts, attitudes, or burdens are drawing your heart away from Jesus?
  • In Jeremiah 33:3 God says, “Call to me and I will answer and tell you unsearchable things you do not know.” Call to your Savior. Pray that He will show you how to let your burdens go, and trust that He will answer you. Lay your troubles at the cross, and leave them there.

Faith-Filled Idea

You may be able to come up with some worthy goals: organize your schedule, lose a few pounds, keep your house cleaner. These all may be good plans, but are they the best God has for you? Only God knows what is in store for the year ahead, so shouldn’t you first consult Him before making your plans? Don’t miss God while pursuing your agenda.

Over the next ten days, use your quiet moments to draw near to God. Examine your life and your thoughts. Repent and let go of ALL guilt and condemnation. Talk to your Heavenly Father about how you can live better next year. Ask how He is working in your life, and how you can work with Him.

New years day 3 Graphic

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-How has God worked in your life in 2015?

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Heather Doolittle
Latest posts by Heather Doolittle (see all)

7 Comments on “Take Hold of God’s Blessings”

  1. “It is far too easy to miss what God is doing when you are focused on your own agenda.” This is so true – I want to get out of the way this year and let God. This is a peaceful and hopeful study Heather!

  2. I like the concept of focusing for ten days, rather than briefly creating a commitment. The ten days will cement the commitment so that it does not easily fade away.

    1. I thought so too! When I first read about the Jewish tradition, that concept really stuck out to me. Image the good that can come from It!

  3. What a wonderful Bible study Heather!! I love how you told of the Jewish tradition of reflection and how it is Biblical to examine your life and prayerfully make resolutions. Thank you so much!

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