Happy New Year!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

I can’t believe 2008 has come and now is gone. I must admit 2008 was a challenging year in many ways. Several things in my life didn’t work out the way I was hoping they would. However, a new year always brings a fresh hope to my soul.

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

In this passage of Scripture, the Lord is reminding us to not dwell on the former things, but focus on the new things in the upcoming year. When we only focus on the unpleasant moments of the past, it causes us to not perceive the new blessing that is going to spring up in the future. God has the supernatural ability to make refreshing springs in the desert and wasteland places of our lives. He can turn that which has been barren into a fruitful place in the future.

One of the keys to entering the New Year on a positive note is practicing the discipline of letting go of the bad and holding on to the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”

Unfortunately, it is human nature to forget the good events and only hold on to the wretched occurrences of life. When we do this, bitterness develops in our soul that poisons us, and causes us to be disillusioned with life.

I am committed to entering into 2009 “holding on to the good” and releasing the disappointments of 2008. I will use them as learning lessons, make the necessary changes in my life, and move forward in faith.

Remember, as you enter into 2009, make sure you leave the old behind and grab a hold of the new things God wants to do in your life.

What old things of 2008 are you releasing, and what new things are you reaching for in 2009? I would love to read about it.

Happy New Year!