“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
Every year brings new opportunities to grow, learn, and experience the love of God in a deeper way. But sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in the mistakes or disappointments of the past. Maybe you didn’t meet a goal you set last year, or you said something you regret to a friend. Whatever it may be, carrying those things into a new season can make it hard to see the fresh start God has for you.
God’s promise in 2 Corinthians reminds us that through Christ, we are made new. He’s always working to bring newness into our lives. Just as He made streams in a wasteland, He can refresh areas of our hearts and lives that feel dry or broken. But for us to fully experience that newness, we need to let go of the old things that hold us back. It doesn’t mean ignoring past mistakes but trusting God to forgive, restore, and guide us forward.
Take a moment to think about what God might be doing in your life right now. Is He calling you to try something new? To trust Him more? To heal from something that’s been weighing you down? When we focus on God’s plans rather than our failures, we can see His goodness even in the small steps forward.
A new year isn’t about changing everything overnight but about taking one step at a time toward the person God created you to be. Maybe that looks like starting a habit of reading your Bible every morning, showing kindness to someone who feels alone, or choosing to forgive someone who hurt you. Whatever it is, God is with you every step of the way.
Let this be a year where you trust God to do the new thing He’s promised. Believe that His plans are good and that He’s making a way for you even when you can’t see it yet.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the fresh start You give me every day. Help me let go of the past and trust You with my future. Open my eyes to the new things You are doing in my life. Guide me to follow Your plans and grow closer to You this year. In Jesus’ name, Amen.