End of Year Blues, New Year Excitement
By Matt Dawson
I saw a few people post last week how eager they are to start the new year…even at the expense of just “getting Christmas over with” so the can press into the new year.
I understand. Sometimes it’s been a bummer year and no matter how enjoyable Christmas is – we just want to get on with a New Year.
I also understand if Christmas is not going to be all that much fun this year. Maybe you’re missing someone, maybe family is not getting together, or maybe you’re alone again and nothing seems to be changing.
For those looking to END this year, and GET ON with the New – let me give you a quick challenge.
Spend Time Remembering (Not Ruminating)
Notice the difference. Don’t ruminate on all the good that hasn’t happened and all the crap that did. REMEMBER what God has done for you in 2018.
Even if you went through one of the hardest things in your life this year…He was with you in the midst of it. God can always be seen when we are intentionally looking for Him. Reflect on this past year and THANK GOD for all that He has done.
Lamentations 3:21-23…Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fails. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Like I said, even if you can’t wait for this year to be over, God will still actively be at work in your life. Take time to remember what He has done!
Dreams for 2019 and Beyond
When we did our “Dream Again” series this year, I still got a lot of push back from folks that really live life day to day, week by week, year by year.
They are so overwhelmed with the NOW that they have no margin for the “What If?…”
Before you start making RESOLUTIONS for January… start by reading this verse.
Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
NOW, start imagining what MORE looks like. There is a reason that we preached the “How to Get MORE from God” series right before we did the “Dream Again” series.
YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THERE IS MORE before you can DREAM ABOUT MORE!
Remember and Dream
These two actions can propel you on a life that you’ve never thought possible with God.
Don’t wish away the end of the year and settle for short-sighted “goals” for the new year.
Remember ALL THAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU and then begin to DREAM AGAIN!