There’s something rather enticing about the word new. Just speaking this word conjures thoughts of possibility and potential. Because of this, at the beginning of each year, we are inspired with thoughts of a fresh start, a clean slate, and a new beginning.

Energized by this euphoric feeling, we then resolve to establish positive habits and commit to a list of goals. Although this is an admirable response, the problem is we are powerless to affect personal changes on our own. Initially this news may seem deflating, but in actuality, this reality is altogether liberating and freeing.

The truth is that as children of a perfect Father, we’ve been invited into a life of total dependence and reliance on Him. In fact, it is only by God’s strength that we are enabled to accomplish His purpose for our lives, and not the other way around.

Jesus depended on the Father

Yahweh never intended for us to do anything apart from Him. Instead, He speaks faithfully through His Word, reminding us that in His perfect time He makes everything beautiful and all things new. This revelation releases us from a position of striving and frees us to a life of trusting and abiding. Jesus explained it like this,

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him… bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (ESV)

Jesus not only taught this principle, but He also modeled this posture. Although He was and is God, while on earth He assumed the form of a servant and the position of a submissive Son. Because of this, Jesus did nothing apart from his Father, as He Himself openly confessed,

“The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does. The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing”
John 5:19 (MSG)

Let’s follow Jesus’ example

In the same way that Jesus lived completely dependent upon His Father to do, not only some things, urgent things, or even miraculous things, but rather all things, we are reminded through Scripture to live in the same manner.

…By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:5-6 (ESV)

Although we are powerless apart from Christ, in Christ we are fully prepared and equipped for every good work. Jesus actually made the following radical statement,

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
John 14:12 (ESV)

I have always found this verse to be incredibly inspiring and at the same time challenging. Regardless, I receive it as God’s Word and therefore embrace it as truth. And it is this truth that is the source of my confidence, not simply for the new year, but rather for each new day.

Jesus gives us the power to change 

So, as I begin this first month of a new year, I am encouraged in the knowledge that I am not responsible for creating or starting anything new on my own. Rather I am committed to live in total reliance on God, Who alone has the power to bring about the new in and through me.

Although I don’t always understand God’s ways or perceive what He is doing, I trust Him as a good Father, and because of this I am convinced that He is working behind the scenes of my life transforming, molding, and making all things new.

At the commencement of 2024 these truths are the reasons for my hope and confidence, and I pray they will be yours as well.

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!… Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:5 (NLT)

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For Reflection

  • What new things are you seeking in this new year?
  • Talk to God in prayer about your desires and write down what you hear Him say to you.
  • Follow this by writing down scripture verses that align with God’s word to you.
  • Finally, stand strong on these promises by continually meditating upon God’s Word.
  • Close your time in a prayer of gratitude to God, who alone is able to make all things new.