Focus on the New

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The passage to a new year is an opportunity to start a new. To turn to a new page or chapter in the journey of life; or a chance for a clean slate in some circumstances. The turn to a new year also brings to light new resolutions and the possibility of the realization of old desires and wants.

The Prophet Isaiah says: “Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I’m doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV 

The good news is that God wants and encourages us to start a new. The prophet Jeremiah points out that God’s mercy is new every morning. Which means that today’s mercy is not the same as the mercy experienced yesterday.

So, it is a good practice to make resolutions not only for a new year, but also for a new day, for a new week, month, or phase of your life.

Throughout Scriptures there is a strong emphasis in remembrance and reflection, both to remember what led to success, or to destruction and to reflect on it. However, one should not stop and dwell there. There is a moment to move forward and to forget the former things and to focus on the new. With this in mind let’s join God on the new thing he is doing this year.

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