Renewal

Stop.

Breathe in and say, “Make me new”. Breathe out and say, “I return to you.” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Reflect.

While New Year’s Eve parties won’t be a big feature of this year, this day still invites us to celebration. On this day, we look forward to a new year and the new opportunities it invites. That renewal is worth celebrating. 

For people of faith, our renewal each day comes from God. We receive that gift no matter the date or year on the calendar. But it can still be meaningful to take this day to reflect, pray, and consider: who does God call you to be in the year to come? How will you celebrate what God has done with your life in 2020 and what new things God will do in 2021? 

Ultimately, the Spirit invites you to participate in new things happening in your life. Maybe you don’t even know what that is yet. But that is the gift of this day. You get to set aside time to pray, consider, and plan the ways you will make a new thing happen in 2021. Now that’s something to celebrate!

Pray.

God, you make all things new. Renew my heart and mind as I follow you. Renew the world around me to be full of life. Renew your people to preach your gospel. Amen.

Carry On.

Can you make a resolution about your faith life? What’s one thing you want to integrate into your year? More prayer? Worship? Service? How will it renew your faith this year?