Rededicate, redirect, repent, return to God in humility and God will bring renewal, refresh restoration as you return to Him.
I bet you never knew this was in the Bible. Genesis 8:13 says, "In the first month, the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from the earth, and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked and indeed the surface of the ground was dry."
God never does anything by accident. So, this new beginning taking place on the first day of the new year was not a coincidence.
In fact, there's a similar pattern that shows up over and over again in the Bible.
And it happens on the first day of the first month, what of course we would call the start of a new year.
In Exodus 40, God tells Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month. And God's presence once again dwells among his people.
In 2 Chronicles 29, King Hezekiah begins cleansing the temple on the first day of the first month.
And it becomes the spark of a spiritual revival.
And Ezra leading a caravan of thousands began his journey back from exile on the first day of the first month, stepping into restoration and hope.
These biblical references are clearly rooted in the Hebrew calendar where the first day of the first month carries spiritual and covenant significance for Israel.
But for those of us living today, who operate on a different calendar, the principle still applies.
God is not limited to dates or cultural time systems.
And He's more than able and more than willing to pour out His Spirit, bring renewal, and refresh His people right where we are.
Especially as we step into the new year, there certainly is something about stepping into a new year that God likes to bring renewal, restoration, and call His people back to Him.
So, the idea of a fresh start at the beginning of a new year goes far beyond the idea of new year resolutions, which you and I both know usually get broken before February 1st.
But if you bring God into the equation, it is actually a biblical concept.
So whatever is behind you, pain, loss, regret, or whatever the case may be, know this.
God is all about fresh starts, new beginnings, and spiritual renewal.
And also know that every time this happened in the Bible, the people involved did have a responsibility.
They humbled themselves.
Humble thyself in the sight of the LORD.
They drew near to God.
And they prepared their hearts for renewal.
So as you step into this new year, I encourage you to rededicate yourself to Christ.
Set aside the first three or four weeks to fast, to pray, and draw close to God.
If you don't know what to fast, I encourage you to eat clean for the next three to four weeks.
Just go out in your backyard, gather a bunch of leaves, twigs, and branches, bring them in, and eat them for the next month.
Seriously though, consider what God would have you fast because I guarantee you one thing.
If you want to see how strong your flesh is, go ahead and fast from food. And you'll notice real quick just how strong your flesh is because it will scream and kick against the idea to fast food.
In other words, do not just fast from the social media and video games.
If you do not know where to start, I encourage you to do the Daniel Fast, which is basically all fruits and vegetables only.
Close, but it also included grains and legumes.
Just Google search "Daniel Fast" for the details.
Whatever it is you fast, it must truly be a sacrifice to you.
Otherwise, it would not be a fast at all.
Come on, somebody.
Let God rule supreme in your life and see what He does for this next chapter of your life.
Be blessed, be encouraged, and stay in the truth.
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