All the years we have pursued that which we thought would bring “happiness”; all the years we have pursued our own plans, ambitions and pleasures; all the years we have made our own plans and followed our own ways…if our plans were working so well, would we be so thrilled to get time behind us? To be “done” with where we are?
A new day or new year will not change our souls, nor will it change the habits, wounds, lies, mind sets we have built our lives upon and act out each day. Us striving and trying harder to make our lives exactly what “we” think they should be doesn’t ever bring the lasting satisfaction we believe it will. Us being Lord of our lives never pans out quite the way we envision.
I heard a phrase that says, to have different-you must do different. There is probably much truth to that. What if I suggested to you, it was less about doing and more about surrendering? Sometimes we like to think that all of God “rules” are restrictions when in truth, they are the exact principles and boundaries that bring us the life we have always craved.
He knew us being self centered wouldn’t bring us happiness. He knew possessions bring no fulfillment and in fact can weigh us down. He knew if we would love others and care for them like we do ourselves, it would bless our soul more than any job title, big house or new car. He knew by seeking Him first, we would fill our minds and hearts with His truth and it would slowly weed out all the untruths we have established our entire being upon for our entire lives. He knew what our hearts would crave, He knew because He is the creator of our very being. No one knows better what we need, not even us.
If we only choose one goal, resolution, plan, etc. this year,
let it be to seek Him first.
Let’s be intentional about giving Him first place
and watch how He transforms our minds, hearts and lives.
When we grasp that we have new mercies available each and every day, when we realize we have the privilege of surrender that brings lasting change, when we accept having different is all about that one choice–that one choice to take ourselves off the throne of our heart and give it to the author of our lives, it will change EVERYTHING!!
If we are honest, we would admit all our efforts and best plans don’t bring the contentment we desire so let’s be brave enough to try something different. HE will not disappoint!!
No plans of writing all this when I began…He took over. Happy new year, let Him do a new thing (Isaiah 43:19).
170101
Marla Geiger 