Starting 2025 with a Clean Slate: Embracing New Beginnings
As I laid my head on the pillow shortly after midnight New Year’s Eve (now the new year), I began reflecting on the past year. I would like to say my mind immediately went to the successes and blessings of the year, but the enemy wanted to discourage me. I, instead, thought of a whole year being gone and what I did with all that time. It was almost like panic was taking hold about what I ‘should have’ accomplished. That was not productive.
Eventually sleep came and then morning. I didn’t jump out of bed and run for my coffee like usual. I stayed in my cozy bed and had a long conversation with the Lord. I asked Him to prepare me for whatever He has for me next. I prayed for wisdom in managing family matters. I surrendered (yes again!) my heart, children, parents, husband, website, writing plans and projects, ministry, health, and my home to Him.
He also reminded me of what I did accomplish in 2024. He allowed me to expand my writing to include an online devotional, Daybreak Devotions, and Nighttime Prayers and used me in publishing three new books. We were able to move my parents to a location where they receive more help. I was able to speak a few times and lead our women’s retreat. I got to spend precious time with my children and my new granddaughter. He reminded me of the bigger picture and began to renew me.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalm 103
I am not much of a “New Year’s Resolution” kind of girl. I set goals and make deadlines for myself, but resolutions, well they just seem like setting myself up for failure. Did you know that 50% of resolutions are broken by January 15th? And, honestly, making a resolution implies I am not doing something that I should be doing, and I don’t want to put more pressure on myself to “do” more. Maybe my resolution should be to do less…
I do like the idea of having a fresh start though. One of the things I loved about teaching was that there was a beginning to the school year and an end. Every year I would begin with fresh clean desks, new books, new bulletin boards, and new students.
As I begin this new year, 2025, I want to start with a clean slate. So, I will start with one of my favorite prayers from Psalms.
“Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right spirit within me. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalm 51.
I pray that I will not let the past be a stumbling block but a steppingstone. I believe everything in the past is preparing me for what is next. It’s my job to be ready for what He has in store for me.
The way to accomplish this is summed up well in the words of an old hymn by Frances Ridley Havergal:
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
I have some big plans for this year. But the only plan that matters is that I seek to glorify God in my life with every breath and allow Him to be seen in me and through me. I want to be ready for the blessings God has in store for me.
Do you set goals or make resolutions?
How do they intersect with God’s plan for your life?
My prayer for 2025 is this:
Precious Heavenly Father,
Please guide every step I take. Infuse me with your love and power to do your will. Please help me make the most of every opportunity and always be prepared to give the answer for the hope that is in me. Please give me wisdom to do well the work you have prepared for me. I pray you light shines brightly in my life. Please open my eyes to see you even when the days seem dark. Help me remember that you are my strength. Please help me to know when to rest without having to get sick. Help me to be the woman you want me to be and reflect and glorify you in every task and every relationship. I commit this and every day to you so that my thoughts are made right and clear. In Your Precious Name, Amen.
