How to do more than simply get through the new year ahead of you
By DeanCollins
What is the difference between getting through and going through?
That’s the question I am pondering as 2022 comes to an end and the new year of 2023 begins.
Getting through something sounds a bit like an exercise of survival. To get through takes some tenacity and endurance. To get through often feels like trying to hold on until the thing, the task, the year is finally over. Maybe that is how you thought or felt about last year. You somehow got through. It wasn’t easy. It often wasn’t joyful. But 2022 is now in the rearview mirror, and all we can do is reflect on it and see what we can learn from our recent history.
A new year brings with it new opportunities. We get to decide how we will approach this year. We won’t be able to decide or even predict all the good and hard things we might face. The choice we have at the beginning of the year has to do with attitude and approach. We can choose to start where we left off, just grinding it out and getting through. Or we can choose to start the new year with great self-determination to figure out on our own whatever is in front of us.
However, we could take a third approach, It may be a new approach for some; for others it is a reminder of truth we know and resources we have experienced, but for some reason, in the strain and stress of opportunity or crisis, we have forgotten this wonderful promise given to us in scripture.
Encouraging word
First some background. Zerubbabel was given the overwhelming task of rebuilding the temple after its destruction by the Babylonians. Imagine knowing the amazing detail of the temple that Solomon had built and now being charged with rebuilding it from rubble. Zechariah had a word from the Lord for Zerubbabel as he considered this task: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
I wonder if this might be just the word we need as we consider the new year ahead of us. Some of us entering 2023 already know the big challenges that face us. Some of us may see smooth waters but can’t imagine rough water or hidden rocks ahead. Maybe the best approach as we enter 2023 is to do so with Zechariah’s message front and center in our thoughts. Whatever we face this year we can face with faith and confidence that God will provide.
Unending power
Our victories will come not because of our power or our strength but in and by the power and might of the Lord of hosts. John reminds us in John 14 that Jesus left us his Spirit to guide and fill us. We need not work simply with our wisdom and talents. We can and must rest in the strength and power of God, going through this year led by his Spirit. We can do more than just get through 2023. We can go through this year filled with the Holy Spirit, trusting in the resources of God to see us through whatever God has planned for us.
I can’t wait to hear your story of what God did for you when this year ends! I will be sure to share mine.
Happy New Year!
Your time with God’s Word
Zechariah 4:4-10; 10:1, 12; John 14:16-18, 26-27 ESV
Photo by Behnam Norouzi on Unsplash
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