What will this new year bring? Should I make resolutions even though experience reminds me that they are seldom successful. Maybe this year we can be brave enough to ask God what He wants for us in the New year!
“See I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the wilderness I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers.” Isaiah 43:19
What do you want God to make new in your life? The wilderness of fear or worry? God will make a way to change your fears and worries into hope and trust. The wasteland of your prayer life? Or the desolate places in your relationships? God will pour out the rivers of grace that you need.
God made us for Himself. He is the God of possibilities and He wants to transform us from the inside out. He is our provider and He knows all our needs.
Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true … To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water…
and I shall be their God and they shall be my people.
We are often unsure about how to draw closer to God or wonder if our prayers are heard.
Good news –God is not concerned with our words or our posture or form. He reads our hearts.
Look to God’s word for the answers to the many ways God can make us new.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your
ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
As we begin 2024, let us remember that God created us and He can recreate us anew when we seek Him and depend on Him. Make a plan for how you will draw close to God and write it down. Be determined and creative. Consider beginning each day with thanksgiving for the blessings past and present. Think of three things you do every day and then think of ways to invite Jesus into these routines.
Reconsider the ‘morning offering’ giving God the good, bad and ugly in our day, partnering with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and linking ourselves to the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world.
God is good. He always honors our efforts and encourages us with His Word.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, is mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Happy and Blessed New Year to all,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold,
new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17