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The word “new” conjures up plenty of ideas, good thoughts that push us forward and others thoughts prompt fear— fear of change, fear of loss—just fear.
Let’s focus on comparisons, like “recent” and “fresh.” For example, something new for me is navigating around Elgin, as I shared earlier that I am a new resident here.
Confession time—I’m trying to learn without the GPS. Even using that recently, I got lost and turned around. Yes, in Elgin. It gets better each day, however.
How long has it been since you’ve been new?
Let’s change topics to examine what Scripture says about “new.”
“God’s mercies are new, fresh, every morning…” — Lamentations 3:23 “When we are born again, we are then new creations, and our spiritual life is brand new.” — Corinthians 5:17 “God welcomes our singing a new song to Him.” — Psalm 33:3, 96:1 Actually, I’ve seen many passages about our singing a new song. What song is on your heart today?
In God’s eyes we are never too old or used up. He knows us intimately and welcomes us when we reach out to Him. We can never exhaust His resources, for He provides just what is needed every new day.
“I (God) will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26 I recall a day when I was in a group, praying. It was a private personal moment between the person praying and the Lord.
This day the young women prayed, “God, please take away my cold stony heart, and replace it with your new heart and spirit.”
It amazed me that she felt so comfortable to voice such a request aloud. Yet, how amazing it is to hear someone pray this way.
Being in a Christian community, with the privilege to pray together, is a wonderful thing. There are times when we feel empty and need support and encouragement from others, and their prayers for us lift our spirits.
Social media today permits many opportunities to pray for others. It removes barriers of location or time and brings people together. Needs and pains are shared.
Also, joy is shared—answered prayer is shared—I’m glad about that, aren’t you? Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, a writer, author and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
