This week, I get to say – HAPPY NEW YEAR – to you! Of course, it’s also an opportunity for a fresh new start. So, let’s look at some action points for a great start with strong traction this next year.

A Fresh New Start

Have you noticed how time flies? Another whole year has gone by. Yes! – 365 days. Regardless, it’s nice to have a fresh new start.

Incidentally, people often pursue a fresh new start for several reasons –

• After navigating a less-than-desirable scenario.
• At times, simply to jump into a new season or opportunity.
• Actually, for quite a few additional reasons.

 

Let’s explore additional reasons you may yearn for a fresh new start:

1. You might be stuck in a situation you have little control over.
2. Perhaps you’re suffering circumstances because of a decision – yours or someone else’s.
3. In some cases, you might have a panicky feeling after receiving bad news.
4. Interestingly, it could be something as simple as – you lost your wallet, or forgot to pay an important bill, or you broke something special, or you ran your car into someone’s fence. You just wish you could do it over again.
5. Sadly, you may have said something you later regret terribly. Though you wish you could take it back, it’s impossible.
6. Concerningly, you may have just received the diagnosis of cancer or another disease.
7. Equally, you may be living in pain, hoping there’s some kind of answer.
8. Regretfully, you may wish you’d done things better in the past.
9. It’s possible you are quite satisfied where you are – with progress you’ve made. Yet, you’re still ready to jump into something new.
10. Actually, learning something new – or efforts to understand something better – can create a desire for a fresh new start.

 

So, there are many reasons to want a fresh new start.

Of course, there’s New Year’s Eve, with a New Year right around the corner. Subsequently, there’s desire and hope to make changes, excel in areas, and explore new experiences.

Circumstances, big or small, arouse a desire to have a fresh new start in some particular way.

What Is A Fresh New Start?

A fresh new start is something every person needs at some point in their life journey. Simply, it’s setting the past behind and launching into the future.

Realistically, in setting the past behind, if there are bad patterns or habits – you may need to first make changes. Additionally, you may need to make things right with someone – to confess, repent, correct a wrong, or make amends. God always expects an honest heart for a fresh new start.

Regardless, God is always focused on what is yet to come.

Great Scriptures About A Fresh New Start

Scripture supports fresh new starts. 2 Cor. 5:17b says, “The old has gone. The new is here.”

Is. 43:18-19a says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

Paul says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13b-14)

God always leads you forward. Of course, God doesn’t want you to live in a broken past. Whether it was good or not-so-good, let the past be the past. Subsequently, move forward into a fresh new start.

Thankfully, Jesus is the reason anyone can have a fresh new start – because of His cross.

Action Points For A Fresh New Start

These action points help you go after a fresh new start.

1. Be Honest And Identify

First, be honest and identify whatever is in your past. Be willing to –

• Admit where change must take place.
• Plus, decide which things you have power to change.
• Also, accept things you can’t change.
• Make things right with a person – if you can. Regardless, accept if they are unwilling, and pray for them.
• Additionally, take time to celebrate everything good in your past.
• Finally, contemplate where you’d like to be in the future.

 

So, be honest and identify where you are and where you intend to go.

2. Take Responsibility

Second, take responsibility for changes you identified. Be willing to try new tactics. Also, ask God to share His creativity to fill a new season with His hope. Plus, get ready for some adventure. Get creative!

Most important, take responsibility for motives in your heart that are not helpful. Things like –

• Fear.
• Pride.
• Insecurity.
• Loneliness.
• Boredom.
• Bad company.
• Deception.
• Irritation.
• Losses.
• Frustration.
• Laziness.
• Impatience.

 

God wants you free from those things. Subsequently, He has sleeves rolled up to help you rise up – and out.

Equally, God will show you how to take responsibility for new patterns, habits, and goals. This is where adventure and creativity begin.

As you manage healthy or unhealthy things, take responsibility.

3. Develop A Plan

Third, develop a plan. Unhealthy patterns don’t just go away. Subsequently, it’s critical to set specific goals and objectives for future success.

Goals and objectives help you develop a plan. New healthy patterns require exploring fresh ideas and options. Subsequently, be creative in approaching a new season. Additionally, ask God to open and close doors. Further, rely on Him to give you wisdom for a simple plan to welcome a fresh new start.

A plan is critical to enter a new season.

(Check out “How To Develop A 1-Page Goals Sheet: Step 1 and Step 2.)

4. Pray Over Your Plan

Fourth, pray over your plan. Ask God to help you succeed. Search Scripture for promises to apply to your work. Claim them. Ultimately, watch God keep His promises. However, be resolved to do your part –

• Most important, listen intently to God’s Spirit.
• Next, be flexible and willing to change as God points things out to you.
• Then, follow through with everything you know to do.
• Absolutely critical – come near to God. (Jas. 4:8)

 

Incidentally, prayer is essential to succeed.

5. Don’t Waste Time Or Energy On Failure

Finally, if you fail, don’t waste time or energy feeling sorry for yourself. Immediately, tell God about it. (He already knows, but this step connects you with Him.)

• Confess any sin.
• Recommit to a fresh new start.
• Ask God for continued help.
• Then, resume pursuit of a fresh new start.

 

Put your time and energy into a fresh new start and don’t waste time or energy on failure.

6. Accept Losses

Thankfully, life is not ruined by losses. Interestingly, each day presents new beginnings and opportunities before you.

Even with tragic circumstances outside your control, you can enjoy a healthy relationship with God and claim a fresh new start.

7. Life Can Change

I want to share an excerpt from a New Year’s article I wrote several years ago.

“The end of another year blends into the beginning of a new one by the simple passing of days. It’s the same process that happens all year long. However, when those few days end one thing and begin another, they are noteworthy.”

Essentially, every day gives opportunity to make healthy choices, to end some things and begin others.

Life changes. Choose well.

Fresh New Living

With a new year – or any new opportunity, habit, or pattern –

– God provides a fresh new touch to keep life vibrant and interesting. Fresh perspective to keep hope alive.

Interestingly, Jesus generously gives a fresh new touch and fresh perspective.

For your part, hold tightly to His commands and promises. Afterall, He is a God of endings and beginnings. Remarkably, He provides continuity to your life. 

God’s work in you brings a continual flow of fresh new life.

Since this is how God works, ask the Lord for –

1. Wisdom.
2. Power.
3. Intimacy with Christ.
4. Peace.

 

Come close to God. Receive all He provides. Then, do your part.

Good News

The good news? You can receive:

1. Wisdom from Wonderful Counselor.
2. Power through Mighty God.
3. Intimacy / belonging from Everlasting Father.
4. And, yes! Peace from the Prince of Peace!

 

This is a great way to engage a fresh new start!

 

Think of it this way . . . 

A year is long. A day is short.

You have 365 short strokes ahead of you.

Just focus on 1 stroke at a time.

Ask God to help. Trust Him. Work hard.

A New Year is a fresh new start.

 

Application Thoughts And Questions

1. Welcome a fresh new start with these steps:
   1. 1. Be honest and identify where you’re at.
      2. Take responsibility.
      3. Develop a plan.
      4. Pray over your plan.
      5. Don’t waste time or energy on failure.
      6. Accept losses.
      7. Remember – life can change.
2. What do you need to let go of?
3. Are you ready to receive:
   • • Wisdom from Wonderful Counselor.
     • Power through Mighty God.
     • Intimacy / belonging from Everlasting Father.
     • Peace from the Prince of Peace!

For Your Quiet Time!

* Portions of this content come from my book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.