Freshness of Spirit - Change and Trust - Jewell Utt
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7
Happy New Year! As the snow ushers in 2021, with it comes a freshness of spirit. After a year of turmoil and unexpected change, I’m anticipating a year of hope and transformation. Many lessons came from being homebound: a greater dependence on God, a look within myself, and an extension to the world outside. And together we have learned to endure change and expect hardship.
Funny how problems produce blessings. But taking the time to address them, develops trust and produces change. Lasting change. One significant blessing is hosting both an in-person and virtual Bible study. Without a shut-down, I wouldn’t have found the time for preparation, or added an online element. But offering a group dynamic has cultivated challenge, rather than complacency, in us all.
On a personal note, a significant change has occurred within my spirit. For years I’ve prayed many of the same prayers; for God to move His mighty hand on behalf of people or events. But this year I have adopted Jeremiah 17:7. God clearly spoke it into my heart, as both reassurance and strength to move forward. So instead of praying the same way, now I’m thanking God; trusting He has heard and answered my prayers, and is working all things together to fit His perfect time and plan.
How About You?
Have the winds of change affected you this year?
God desires that we trust. This requires that we change.
- Our time: As we set apart moments devoted to Him alone, we find everything gets done.
2. Our priorities: Getting alone with God helps develop our schedule into what is truly important to Him:
Reflections – Relationships – Responses
Reflections – Do you take time out to simply think? Not wind down time, when you’re listening to music, watching TV, or reading a book, but still time. A time when you reflect on your spiritual, emotional and physical being; on the beauty of creation and the wonder of life itself.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. … John 1:1-3:1
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3
Relationships –Relationships are very important to God. Not only should we choose them carefully, but we should lovingly cherish them. They teach us how to grow in righteousness as we cooperatively manage life together with others.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Responses – Those closest to us get to see the real us. How would they describe what they see? That in itself is a good point for reflection. Do we get snippy without even realizing it?
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. Matthew 15:18
In this New Year, I pray you will trust God with your time and priorities. Be still and reflect on your relationship with Him and others. Set a goal to grow closer in righteousness and quieter in Spirit.
