Our new Camry sparkled in the sunlight like a pocketful of new pennies scattered on the ground. When the engine purred to life, we grinned with giddy excitement. But the feature we enjoyed most was the scent.
The aroma of a new car’s interior wakes up our olfactory senses and prompts a deep breath. Did you smile just thinking about it?
Many of us like the aroma so much, we install “new car smell” vent clips in our older cars. This manufactured scent comes close to tricking the human nose, but the benefits are short-lived. As short-lived as most of our New Year’s resolutions.
In the media, we hear less now about our annual lists of promised improvements. Maybe they report less on new resolutions because most of us could paper the walls of our home with good—but unmet—intentions.
In January we enjoy closing the door on the past twelve months and putting out the welcome mat for a bright new year. A straightened house after a holiday season radiates with freshness. New calendars and renewed plans bring hope. Renewed determination to exercise lightens our step.
Perhaps we open a new devotional or start a new Bible reading plan. Whether we develop a different menu planning system or reorganize our sock drawer, new feels good.
New is good, but humans are human. We falter. Our want-to lags behind our meant-to. Energy wanes, and we chase distractions like a puppy following a butterfly. When we attempt to practice new character traits or behaviors, results are temporary at best.
Aren’t we thankful God specializes in creating NEW?
We don’t have to stay the same. Our God, who fashioned the current heavens and earth and plans to form new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21), promises to continue His renewing work in us.
We don’t have to stay the same. God promises to continue His renewing work in us. Click To Tweet
What about the days when we don’t feel new—when we feel like our spiritual tires are stuck in the mud and spinning? Even then, we can trust God through each new season to continue molding us like clay into Christlikeness. We can say with Paul,
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 ESV*
What new transformation will God highlight in your life during this season? Will the light of Christ shine from your countenance with new brightness? Will the sound of your voice in prayer and ministry honor the Father and encourage others in new ways? Will the sweet aroma of Jesus permeate the rooms and relationships in your life with new intensity (2 Corinthians 2:15)?
Ready for God to do a new work in you this year? Meditate on these verses and read them in different translations. Then enjoy a sparkly new season of trust and excitement with God.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 32:8
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Your Turn
Do you fear or embrace new seasons? How is God leading you in new ways? In which areas of your life do you want Jesus to shine this year—and throughout your life?
*All Scripture is taken from the English Standard Version.
What a timely message! I feel like many of us are definitely checking in with our progress of new intentions right now. I love the imagery of the word “sparkly” new season of trust and excitement with God.
Barbara, I’ve always liked new beginnings—Mondays, Januarys, sunrises. And I’m grateful His mercies are new each day as well as His encouragement . Thank you SO much for your comments.
New is fun, but I’m glad I’m not responsible for making the new me. Praise Jesus! Thanks, Jeannie.
I’m thankful He makes us new, too, Annie. We can trust Him for everything.
A pastor friend, now gone home, consistently made one statement when problems arose: I’m glad I’m not God! I echo that sentiment when I think about how many humans begin a new year with whims God knows we won’t keep. He must spend most of His time shaking his head at the mess His prize creation makes when He gives us a new, blank calendar!
Peggy, your comments made me smile. I’m thankful God understands our human minds, but I’m also glad He calls us to seek His will and trust His guidance. His plans exceed ours by far. I do appreciate your consistent comments, Peggy. 🙂
I’d like to think I embrace new seasons and look forward to the challenge of new opportunities. However, I know there are times when I think, “Oh, No! I don’t want to do this!” I’m thankful our loving God is with us through all the challenges and changes. He also will guide us in making the decision whether or not we should change. Thank you, Jeannie, for this uplifting message.
Thank you, Katherine. We are reluctant sometimes to make changes, and I’ve been guilty of complaining about challenges. I’m grateful our loving Father forgives us and continues to offer His guiding hand.
Oh, how this one statement spoke directly to my heart Ms. Jeannie, “Our want-to lags behind our meant-to. ” I want to change, grow, embrace new things in all aspects of my life, but my CDO (it’s like OCD but alphabetized as it should be 🙂 ) keeps me firmly rooted in what I know, what I’m accustomed to, and frankly what I prefer. Change does not come quick or easy for me, but with time and perseverance it does come. Thank you for such encouraging words for old “stick in the mud”s like me. God’s blessings ma’am.
J. D., your comments brought smiles. I love CDO! It’s easy to stay rooted in our thoughts and plans and patterns of life, isn’t it? Yes, you’re right that we develop perseverance as we learn to trust God more and more.
So perfect for this tome jeannie!
I’m glad you enjoyed it M.K. Thanks for letting me know.
I’m so thankful God’s mercies are new every morning and that He always provides ways for us to begin again.
Me, too, Barbara. In the past, I had difficulty forgiving myself and moving forward, but the verse you refer to reminds me He continues to offer new mercies each morning. Aren’t we thankful?
I enjoy new and embrace the change that come with it. I just pray I can always stick with the new thing. I’m glad God’s mercies are new every morning and that He doesn’t falter
Yvonne, I agree new daily mercies and the truth that God never falters are blessings and teach us to trust Him. I love Mondays, Januarys, and all things new, but sometimes it’s easier to continue in our old patterns instead of embracing His plan. He’s faithful to guide us and for that I’m grateful.
I’m thankful His mercies are new each day. Thank you for this inspirational message.
Thank you for commenting, Melissa. His mercies are blessings indeed!
Thanks for reminding to let the Lord guide our steps in the next year and live under grace.