Look at God
When God gave me the theme for this month’s box of encouragement, I immediately saw the obvious connection between a “fresh start” and a new year. But as I started to develop the idea and write the devotional lid card, I realized that He had a deeper meaning for this theme.
“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24
Today is the day
Yes, this is a new day, a new year, a new decade. It’s a new opportunity to try something different and make a fresh start.
I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE A FRESH START WITH GOD.
You know Him. You love Him, but in every relationship it’s important from time-to-time to go back to the beginning - to remember why you love them, what they mean to you, what they’ve done for you, the things you’ve been through together and to daydream about what your future holds.
In all relationships there are times when we feel let down. When things don’t turn out the way we hoped or when the person we love so much seems to not care about how we feel. But anyone who’s been married for a long time will tell you that their relationship has lasted because they’ve learned to let go of those things and keep moving forward.
Me and Mom
One of the things my mom said to me about marriage that I’ll never ever forget is that she “falls in and out of love with my father every day.” I don’t think she even realized how profound a statement that was when she said it and what an encouragement it would be for me in my own marriage years later. It’s the thing that repeats in my mind any time I have a moment of frustration with my husband. That simple phrase reminds me that no one is perfect, even the best relationships have ups and downs and unconditional love doesn’t mean your relationship is always perfect. It doesn’t mean the person you love won’t sometimes disappoint you or do things you don’t agree with.
Just like in our personal relationships, we can fall in and out of love with God too. I’m not saying you don’t always love Him. But sometimes our relationship with Him is close, sometimes it’s distant, sometimes we feel so loved and blessed and other times we feel like maybe He’s forgotten us and is busy blessing someone else.
Today is your day
So I want to encourage you that today is your day! Today is your day to make a fresh start with God. Take some time to reflect and answer these questions:
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When did you first meet Jesus?
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Why do you love Him?
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What has He done for you?
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What are some of the most memorable things you’ve been through together?
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What are your hopes and expectations of your future with God?
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What will you do to show Him how much you love Him?
Remind yourself of what He means to you and how much your love means to Him. Daydream about what your future holds with Him by your side.
This is your day.
This is your year.
This is your decade.
Never forget that your relationship with Him is what gives you strength. Your relationship with Him is what gives you courage. Your relationship with Him is what gives you confidence. Your relationship with Him is what fills you with joy. Your relationship with Him is what gives you peace. Your relationship with Him is what makes you unstoppable.
Not because you’re so good, but because He’s so good, you have a bright future filled with hope. If you doubt that at all, then it’s time to make a fresh start with Him. Answer the questions above. Meditate on the scriptures below and fall back in love with your Heavenly Father today.
Will you commit to making a fresh start with God today?
Join in the conversation and comment below!
Jamila is the founder of loved+blessed. On her personal mission to leave a legacy of encouragement, she blogs about her own life lessons with the hope that it will bring joy into others’ lives and help them find the courage to keep walking in faith knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. Read her testimony of how God turned her misery into ministry.
