Out With The Old, In With The New

Devotional for Thursday, January 1, 1998 by Gloria Sanders

As a new year comes in; many of us make "New Year's Resolutions," a very old tradition in our society. It is a chance to make promises to change our lives and a promise to please those around us. Most people will pledge to lose weight; while others will plan to stop smoking, drinking, etc. In most cases people will start with the intention of following through, but in the end, most will give up.

We are always looking for a chance to better ourselves. There is nothing wrong with that, however we rarely look towards God for help. Psalm 121:1 says, "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help; my help comes from the Lord." In a society of self-help books and self-help gurus; people are struggling trying to find something that will take away their pain and remove old habits overnight. In my lifetime, when I have sought to change something about myself; it has not come overnight. Ten years ago, I realized that everything I would ever hope to be had to come from the Lord. I just couldn't do it. I knew then I would never change myself nor could any self-help book or motivational class fill the void in my life. You see, my emptiness could not be fulfilled by "nickel philosophers" or meditation. All of my help has come from the Lord, no-one else. When nothing else could help; the love of God through Jesus Christ lifted me. And I have not been the same. So, as the new year "rings" in; I encourage you to seek the Lord in all your struggles; only he can make the difference.

Prayer: Oh, Heavenly Father, bless us as we enter another year. We thank you for another opportunity to come into your presence. Father, remember those that are less fortunate. As a New Year comes in, enable us to come to know you better. Thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Gloria Sanders <gloria.sanders@hotmail.com>
Huntsville, Alabama, USA

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