Celebrate the New Year!

Why do we love new beginnings? 

Probably because we mess up so much. 

We dream of being the perfect man, woman, husband, wife, parent, employer, employee, son, daughter. 

And we stumble so often. We long for a new start, to get it right. If we just work hard enough, this time we'll get it. 

Alas, our self-control goes only so far and at least some of our New Year's resolutions are cast aside or given up on. 

Every year, I celebrate the start of a new year with hope and expectation. This year is no exception. I am bubbling over with hope, expecting a great year. Not because I have enough self-control to get it right. Nope. I'm celebrating because the source of hope in my life is Jesus! All my failures of last year, an hour ago, five minutes ago--they are all washed away. Every time I confess my sins, I am forgiven and He does a deep work in my soul. His work in me changes me from the inside out. His Spirit is so much stronger than my self-control. And I am confident. Not in my abilities, but in His ability to conform me to the image of His Son. 

In the meantime, as He continues His work in me, I am rejoicing! 

I rejoice because He loves me! I rejoice because when He looks at me, He sees the righteousness of Christ! I rejoice because He promises good to me, not harm, a hope and a future. 

What a wonderful joy fills my heart when I realize that if I blow it, and I might, I am still loved, still righteous in His sight, and still a recipient of all His promises. He will forgive me. He will continue His work in me. 

I live in a win-win situation. 

So I will bring in the New Year with joy! I will celebrate another year to serve Him, to enjoy His love. 

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I will start the New Year with prayer, worship, and a heart that is surrendered to Jesus. I will present my desires to Him all year long, but ultimately I want His will to prevail, to triumph. 

Long ago, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. And to this day, He has never failed me. He has allowed things into my life that I haven't liked too much, but He has been faithful. 

He has surprised me over the years with blessings, with gifts, with people that I don't deserve and I am grateful! 

With this in mind, I face a brand new year with confidence. He is leading. He is working. His agenda will prevail! I trust Him. I love Him. 

"So, Jesus, thank You for this brand new year. I celebrate You and Your work in my life. I trust You to carry it on to completion. Amen." 

God bless you and Happy New Year! 
Love, 
​Meredith Curtis

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