“to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;” (Isaiah 61:2, ESV)
Have you ever felt that nothing is working out? Do you feel like you are succeeding in no area of life? Do you feel like the guy juggling a bunch of plates, but they are all crashing down at the same time?
This is not uncommon. The reason is that when we are out of alignment in the most important area of our life, it will trickle down. Your most important relationship with God will affect every other relationship in life. If that is not right, others will not be right. Nothing in our life is isolated from the rest.
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Jesus came to make right what was wrong. He restores our broken relationship with God. And when that relationship is restored, it makes possible restoration and healing in other areas of our life. Realignment with God will serve to bring realignment in other areas of life.
Maybe 2017 was a difficult year. 2018 is just around the corner. And 2018 does not need to be 2017. Maybe you are looking for realignment in the new year. That realignment starts with God. Stop trying to fix everything yourself. Rest and be still before him. Let his grace and mercy flow into your life. Let his joy come into your life. Let him direct your thought and your actions. Rejoice in him.
God wants to make a new start with you. Are you ready to make a new start with him?
Reflection
- How does your relationship with God negatively or positively affect other areas of your life?
- Where do you need a new start with God in 2018?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for new starts and new beginnings. For too long I have tried to do everything in my own strength. I have found that I am not good at managing it all. I have fallen down. Pick me up! May 2018 be a year new year of your favor. Guide and direct my every step in this new year. Amen.
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