It’s a New Year! But after last year, we may hesitate to call any year “happy” until it’s had the chance to prove it. Yet each year comes with its own set of unexpected challenges and welcome surprises.

Opportunities and obstacles can appear on opposite sides of the same situation. But if 2020 taught me anything, it was to cling to God’s promise to make all things new.

It is a recurring theme in Scripture.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”  (Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 ESV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5 ESV)

But as God does something new in the world, or in our lives, our challenge is to perceive it and believe it.

His work in and around us is not just because it’s a new year. His mercies are new every morning. He makes “all things new.”

And yet, I’m continually learning how to trust Him in” all things.” Maybe you are too — especially as we consider our approach to 2021.

Someone recently asked me the difference between a New Year’s resolution and a “one word” for the year. As I see it, a resolution is a commitment we seek to keep. But one word is a focus on how we are kept by God. We might choose to have neither, either or both.

But people and places, situations and systems, are either a work in progress or a work resisting progress. I’ve been both.  As I consider “all” the concerns on my heart, from the personal to the pandemic, it can be overwhelming.  The “things” that I long to see resolved or restored feel like they are stalled.

But I hear progress calling. 

My answer is my “one word” for this year. It’s the result of seeking God in December for the word that would add to my focus on Him and His activity in my life. You may have one too. Mine is “new.” Hence, the title of this week’s post.

“All. Things. New.” The phrase sums up God’s redemptive promise. The last word in the phrase reminds me He has the last word in all things.

Because “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.“ (1 Chronicles 29:11 NLT)

Whether we have a New Year’s resolution or one word for the year, many of us are seeking renewal. It’s likely there is something (or someone) we want to see for the first time in 2021. I’m glad nothing is too hard for the God “who is over all things.”

His grace gives us enough strength to thrive and enough reason to trust Him in the next thing He has for you and me. As I perceive His faithfulness, I believe there will be new joys to the soul. I look forward to sharing them with you in 2021.

Happy NEW Year! Join me for the “Finding Joy in What’s New” series!  I’m sharing 5 more posts throughout the year focusing on what’s new in our friendships, prayer life, goal-setting and more. Sign up to receive NEW updates!