Sunday Drive - New Year New Beginnings

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Yeah, I'm a little behind, oh well!! Hope you all had a blessed holiday time with family and friends!

Why is it that the new year always seems like a fresh start? Even though it's really only the next day of the week, just like every other week of my life. It's kind of crazy when you think of it.

And just like that we are already into 2024! I spent time being thankful for the last year. Thankful for my family, my marriage, my health.

Now it's time to look forward. Let's not focus on the past or worry about the future. We need to be in the present. 

Draw near to The Lord. Find ways to enjoy His Presence in the present. The best way to do this is to trust in Him and be thankful. This next verse was one of my memory verses this year and I found it so comforting and full of truth!

Psalms 18:1-3 (NLT)
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. 3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

I find the more I speak to Him, the more I trust in Him. Just short quick prayers throughout the day, remind me that He is always present with me. "I love you, Lord. You are my strength."

The new year is the perfect time to start new habits. Write short prayers out and place them all over, in your car, your bathroom, your desk, wherever you'll see them regularly. Then change them out, so that they don't become "white noise" and you forget about them.

Learning to trust in Him is essential, but so is being thankful. Having an ungrateful heart will drag you down both emotionally and spiritually.

Take time each day to be thankful. Speak it out. I remember my grandmother singing a little song about counting your blessings. It's amazing how reminding yourself of all you have to be thankful for will lift your spirits.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Lastly, remember, the kingdom we are receiving is unshakeable! Meaning that no matter what happens in your life, you are not alone. Jesus Christ is always with you. He understands and knows all that is happening. He is in control and will be with you and strengthen you through it all. 

We will always have a reason to be thankful. Trust in Jesus. He will never let you down.

Hebrews 18:28-29 (NLT)
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

Blessings,
Lori