Thinking of new

CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY

January, a new year. What’s new in your life? What do you plan to be new this year? How would you define new?

Scripture uses the word new to refer to form or substance. New form means something recently made; fresh, unused or unworn. New substance means of a new kind; unprecedented, novel or uncommon.

New means something that recently came into existence. It can be a new quality — God speaks of our life.

God’s word is rich with meaning, so let’s consider a few things God says about new.

In Isaiah 42:9, God says, “Behold, the former (old) things have come to pass, Now, I declare new things …” We have His announcement, which continues in 43:19, “Behold I will do a new thing … shall you know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Old indicates our comfort zone; familiar and easy, like routines that make us feel good. New may mean something that stretches or challenges us.

We have a choice. Do we go or stay? Where is God leading you?

A meaningful message in 2 Peter 3:8 tells us to remember: “That with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

One means certain and specific, while thousand is plural and uncertain. As we face new, we can be assured that with God the uncertain is the same as the certain.

Looking toward the new of 2026, we recognize that we cannot foresee the days ahead, nor challenges we may face. We can be certain, however, that God who loves us, the One who created Heaven and earth, is with us.

He is faithful to His promises.

Do something special for yourself early in January. Make a list of past blessings; ways you personally have seen God work in your life or in the lives of others. Reflect on answered prayers.

Think back on the things that caused you worry or great concern. Can you also recall ways God intervened? Did anything good come from that? Did you learn something about God?

As you ref lect, think about your faith life. Consider charting a line graph about your spiritual walk last year. Was it bumpy with ups and downs, or did it plateau?

Thank God He loves us so! I begin anew as you do.

Let’s follow God faithfully together. Until next week, Anita

Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.