The January 1st Myth

What’s the most common three-word phrase everyone says on January 1st?  Easy. “Happy New Year!”

How about the most popular four-word phrase? Based on my completely unscientific poll, it’s this: “New Year. New You.”

Don’t believe those four words. Because a new page on the calendar can’t re-create you. Ask Solomon, a man known for his wisdom. Long ago, he declared: “There’s nothing new on this earth. Year after year it’s the same old thing. Does someone call out, ‘Hey, this is new?’ Don’t get excited—it’s the same old story.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 MSG)

And we, he seems to imply, are the same old us. 

But don’t believe that either. Because he’s describing a life without God. And in that sense, he’s right. A self-made life does lead to the same old story.

But what we’re after is life with God. While changing seasons can’t change us, God can. He promises to make all things new…including us (Revelation 21:5). As I share in The Eden Option, that requires us to leave the same old story (Story 2) and join God in his story (Story 1). Here in the first week of January, take time to submit every aspect of this year—your dreams, fears, family, home, finances, and creativity—to God. 

It is the only way to be truly new this year.

This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).

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