"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
I hear it every year. The boasting of those who have achieved their New Year's goals for two weeks and the complaints of those who have failed miserably after just two days. In rejoicing or defeat, one thing is true: Our ability to achieve goals does not rest on ourselves (even as much as we think it might). Our ability to do anything in this life is contingent on Christ's Spirit working through and in us.
No matter what goals you have or haven't set or will or won't achieve this coming year, God's promises are eternal, steadfast, and true.
Here are two promises I pray will encourage you in the new year:
1. You can change. You don't have to live the way you always have.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Scripture pens these words: "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun" (NLT). When we surrender and dedicate ourselves to the Lord, He begins a restorative work in us. But much like a home that's being constructed from the ground up, this restoration takes time.
While there are many beliefs on this view of sanctification and holiness, I think what matters is this: We are works in progress, progressively becoming more and more like Jesus. Some believe this happens instantly, but I believe that as we grow and mature in the Lord, we are shaped into His likeness and image in time.
In Genesis 1:27, God formed human beings in the likeness of Himself. We know that when we repent, turn to God, and enter into a personal relationship with Him, He begins a new life in us. The sinful way becomes dead, and the Spirit within us radiates actively. But having a relationship with Jesus doesn't stop sin from tempting us or bad things from happening. It gives us motivation, power, and encouragement to choose the better way and press on.
When 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, I believe He's reminding us with Christ, we can change. Not by our power or might, but by His working actively within us. In the weeks after New Year's, it's likely that you'll feel discouraged, frustrated, and downtrodden. You'll be tempted to compare yourself to others and their picture-perfect Instagram stories. But don't.
No matter what changes you're making or anticipating in your life, they are possible with Jesus. Our transformation through Him, from death to life, makes that eternally evident. And remember, it's Him working through us to make these things possible.
2. You can have mental health struggles and still be faithful.
It's a common cliché that those struggling with mental health conditions "don't trust God enough." Verses like Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7, and Proverbs 3:5-6 are often construed to condemn well-meaning and faithful Christians into thinking they are bad, sinning, or not good enough for God—all for still struggling. But Jesus didn't promise us a life free from struggle, He promised us His faithful presence amid the storms (John 16:33).
As this new year begins, might I encourage you that your clinical mental health struggles don't prevent you from being faithful to God? And you know what's even better than that? Knowing and resting in the promise that our problems don't inhibit God's faithfulness to us. How am I confident of that?
2 Thessalonians 3:3 writes these words: "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one" (NIV). More so, the story of Jesus' birth and resurrection reminds us that Christ is faithful even when we aren't. While that's not an excuse to sin or stray from Him, it's a reminder that even when we're trying our best and still fall short, there's no condemnation for those who are in Him (Romans 8:1).
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus,
You see this new year before us. You know the goals we will accomplish and those that will fall flat. No matter what we do or don't accomplish, please remind us of your ability to work through and in us. Not only do you transform our lives, but your faithful presence eternally remains. As 2 Timothy 2:13 states, "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself" (NIV). Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Alvaro Moreno Perez
Related Resource: Anxiety: Practical Steps for Healing in Christ
Anxiety is debilitating and can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and defeated. But what if there were practical steps and biblical truths that could lessen the load and aid us in our freedom journeys with mental health struggles? Pastor and Licensed Professional Counselor Susan Thomas joins me to discuss this today! Like what you hear? Subscribe to Bought + Beloved with Kirby Kelly on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Friday, 03 January 2025.
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