Leave the Past in the Past!

 

 

As 2023 comes to a close it is an important time to reflect.  Reflection gives us clarity and provides us with a different perspective on all things: the good, the bad, and the ugly.  No matter what you may have gone through in 2023 there is always a positive lesson or a positive example that we can receive.  Here are some important take aways that I would like you to keep in mind as you embark on your reflection of 2023 and your plans for a blessed and prosperous 2024: 

1) You are new person in God!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." Corinthians 5:17

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you have been made new.  Period!  Even if it doesn't feel like it or look like it you are new.  Even if your friends and family are skeptical or don't see it, it doesn't matter.  God's work says you have been made new, so you are a new creature! Don't be persuaded otherwise.  You have been made new and you are going through a process.   Be encouraged because the past is gone away and new things are now here.  Accept them and leave the past in the past!

2) God has already started a good work within you, and He will perfect it!

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6

 Once you accept Jesus into your life, the Holy Spirit begins a work in you.  This is why you are a new creature because the Holy Spirit has come to live in your heart and you have made Jesus Lord over your life.  You now live for him. That process that I was telling you about? Oh yea it is a progressive and continuous one.  Every single day we are growing and the Holy Spirit is working in us.  Til when you ask? Until Jesus comes for us!  Yes, the good work that He has started in us is continued until the day Jesus calls us home.  Be encouraged knowing that you are God's masterpiece and He is not done yet!  

3) God has control over all things; do not worry!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

In life we have many problems and responsibilities. Sometimes you may feel like you haven't gotten out of one before you're in another.  Maybe that is exactly what 2023 was for you, issue after issue, so much so that you feel like you couldn't catch a break.  God does not want you to worry, but rather to bring everything to him in prayer.  There is nothing going on in your life that He is unaware about, but He wants you to bring it to him instead of worrying.  The time and effort that we put into worrying about the things we cannot control would better serve us if we just lay it all at his feet.  I cannot tell you how many times I have allowed the stress of this world to get to me to the point that I have gotten migraines, or body aches or have been just so sick to my stomach that I just couldn't eat.  But I can definitely tell you that the times that I have been mindful of this verse and taken all of my anxiety and worries to the Lord, He has given me this indescribable peace.  It is just so amazing to go from worrying so much to being sure that everything will be okay.  I may not know exactly how, but I do know that God got me!  In 2024, please remember that God wants to hear from you.  There is no problem too big or too small for Him.  Let him take your burdens and give you peace in return!

4) God has got your back and will make your path straight if you acknowledge Him in all you do!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

In 2024, make it your business to put your plans before God.  Don't lean on your own understanding.  It doesn't matter how much experience you may have, how many degrees you may have, or how well you think you may budget or be organized, or whatever it is.  Our biggest mistake in life is thinking that we can do it on our own.  NO way! It is by his grace, with his strength, and in His will.  The key is to always acknowledge God in our ways, and I mean in everything we do.  We cannot make plans and exclude God and expect that we come out being successful.  We must ensure that we are putting God at center of it all acknowledging that it is only by Him that we can do all things.  When we do that do you know how God rewards us?  He makes our path straight! We can be rest assured that we are on the right path and in the secure and straight path with Jesus! Trust him with all your heart and plan WITH HIM and you will see the results in 2024. 

5) Don't be afraid of what will come!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Timothy 1:7 

We can never be sure of what life will bring tomorrow.  God's word tells us we will have many afflictions in the world but we should also trust that Jesus conquered the world.  We can trust in the fact that God has not given us a spirit of fear.  We have nothing to be fearful for when we trust in God.  He has given us power, love and a sound mind.  In Him, we can do ALL things! This upcoming year do not give into fear.  Walk into 2024 knowing that God has not given you fear but He has given you power, love and self-discipline!

6) God has given you hope and a future!

 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

In God we can be sure that we have hope.  We can be sure that we have a future.  Why? Because God formed us in our mother's womb and He created us with a plan in mind.  His plans for us are good and not for evil.  Why? Because He is a good father! Everything that God creates and sets out to do is GOOD!  Be encouraged this year knowing that God has already made a plan for us and it is for good, because He LOVES US!

7) In everything give thanks to God!

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all cirucumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's easy to lose sight of gratitude when we are being hit from all sides.  As we reflect on 2023, let us remember that we should continuously give thanks in all circumstances.  We should be joyful and pray to God, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.  In 2024, let's be intentional about being grateful.  If that means keeping a gratitude journal, or taking time in our daily devotional to give thanks to Jesus and not ask for anything.  Gratitude is so important because it provides us with a different perspective on our situation. Gratitude also allows us to keep our eyes on what is important-- Jesus.  When Peter was walking on water he began to sink when he paid more attention to the waves around him than the One who called Him.  In the same way, gratitude keeps us on track and with our eyes on Christ.  We have no time to pay attention to the storm and the waves around us when the Master is calling us to Him.  Let's be grateful all 2024!

8) The Battle is Not Yours But Gods!

"Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:15

We can be sure that life will through many things our way.  One thing to keep in mind is that the battle is not ours, but it belongs to God.  God will never leave us nor forsake us, which is more of a reason why we should never fear what may come our way.  At the end of the day, no matter what it is if we leave it to God, He will take care of it because the battle is His!  The Bible says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but we wrestle against principalities, and so on.  When we recognize that our struggle is against the dark forces of this world then we can truly realize that the battle belongs to the Lord. And one fun fact is that God has NEVER lost a battle. And He NEVER WILL!

9) All things work for God for those who love God!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Once more, we need to recognize that no matter what we go through God has already established a plan for our lives.  All of the things that we go through is for a reason, and some way some how they will work for our good.  Have you seen in 2023, things happen that you thought would break you actually benefit you in the long run?  God has a way of doing that.  He has a way of blessing us more than what we can actually imagine.  He has a way of turning it all around in the midnight hour.  I am a witness! There have many things that the devil threw my way, that he thought would lay me out BUT GOD said NO! And now that I look back I can see how God used those things for the good.  I can see no matter what I went through there was always a blessing on the other side. That is the God that I serve. 

10) Do Everything for God!

"Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people." Col 3:23

In all of your planning for 2024, be reminded that everything we set out to do we should do it for the Lord.  God is the one that gives us our skills and talents.  God is the one who has blessed us with our jobs or vocations.  When we remind ourselves of that everything put our hands to do, our minds to do, our bodies to do will be unto God.  We can praise God in the work we give to our bosses.  We can praise God in the way we clean our homes. We can praise God in the way we talk to and treat others.  In all things we do, God should be in the center.  Our reward comes from God and not from man.  If we do everything as unto God we will be greatly blessed. 

I hope that this blog has been a blessing to you and that you can be reminded of these truths in your reflection of 2023 and as you plan for 2024.  May God's peace and blessing be with you as we enter into 2024! Remember it is a new year and a new you.