Looking Back at 2024
The previous year was a period of many things for most of us. For some, it was a season of victory, celebration, and growth, while others may have willowed in pain and grief. There might be also those who found it quieter, or perhaps chaotic. There is no black and white when it comes to describing them, as many things unfold every step we take.
With the whirlwind of events that 2024 brought, may we still find gratitude and appreciation as we look back into it. Ultimately, things that happen in our lives bring us memories, experiences, and lessons that we will carry on as we continue living. It develops our character and makes us stronger, better people. After all, Romans 5:3-5 tells us that there is also glory in suffering because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
The Bible also teaches us about seasons and events in our life, Ecclesiastes 3:11 beautifully worded it: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” There might be circumstances that make us question the reason for it all, even questioning our existence and the purpose of life. Worse is, as the year is ending, feelings of contempt and regret eat people up, beating themselves with the thoughts of “I could’ve done better” or “I wish I had done things differently.” It’s normal to feel these things! Even better because it means you are aware that something is lacking, something could improve, and you can be better. Yet as the Bible promised, there is reason and time for everything. There are things we have no control over, and there are things we can.
While everything is valid, what matters most now is how we actually become better; our thoughts, habits, and way of life. Many believers even feel these things, thinking things could’ve played better in faith and spending more time with God and His Word. The good thing is, we can always start again and God’s Word is as promising as the new year that opens.
Starting Anew at 2025
A new year symbolizes new beginnings, a fresh start, and a chance to become a better person. The sparkling lights, good food, and fancy decorations are more than just mere celebration, people see the new year as the perfect opportunity to change and be renewed.
“Renewal” is “changing into something new and different, something better.” Oftentimes, people start a new habit, a new diet plan, try new experiences, and most importantly, curate a new and better faith walk. We cling to faith because we know that God is the most high and we believe that while we may list down all the plans we want for our life, it is God’s will that will fulfill. We surrender it to a higher being, to help us navigate the life we cannot fully fathom.
True enough, God wrote this promise in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Isn’t it comforting to know that God Himself thinks about us and has plans for us? Surely, there is a future and our hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18).
What lies ahead may be scary, exciting, and uncontrollable, and we are unaware of it, but what we can hold on to for sure is God and His Word. The words in the Scripture are full of plans, promises, and hope that God intends for us and for the whole world to know (1 Tim 2:4). It talks of a future that is permanent, everlasting, and full of goodness (2 Cor 4:18).
However, we can not attain or even know these promises if we also don’t put in the effort to study and understand them. God is in His Word. There, we get to understand His story, plans, and what He is doing right now. It’s just like, we can never get to know a person if we don’t put in the time and effort to actually listen, talk, and spend time with them. Likewise, we can only truly understand God’s plan if we listen and spend time with His Word.
Conclusion
Romans 12:2 states “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Renewal is more than just creating a diet plan or painting a vision board, it stems from within. What matters more is the renewal of our minds and hearts. A renewed heart that hopes for something deeper and truer than this temporary world can offer.
In the world, life choices may confuse us. We become uncertain about what season we are in our education, careers, relationships, and others, but that’s also because things in this world are created by mere man and are all temporary (2 Cor 4:18). Yet God’s plans are true, perfect, and eternal, and He wants us there.
As we embrace this new year, let’s pray for more renewal of our hearts, to put us closer to God, seek Him more, and in return, we become people who are stronger and unafraid of what the future brings because we have a sure and certain God. Join us in our free Bible studies and together, let’s face the new year with so much hope and courage that only God and His Word could give!
