In the new year, most of us want a fresh start in some area. We make resolutions, set goals, and plan out everything we're going to do differently in the new year. But what happens when we hit a snag? Or when we fall short of our expectations? This is when we can see God as a God of new beginnings. He's the one who stands with us when we trip up. He lifts us up when we're down and helps us to start over again.
Keep reading to discover…
- What the Bible says about new beginnings and how God can be our hope and strength in them
- How God has given humanity new beginnings throughout history
So if you're feeling discouraged because you’re resolutions or plans have already taken a turn, don't worry—God is right there with you. Why? Because that is who He is, the God of new beginnings.
What Does the Bible Say About New Beginnings?
We are in a new year. It has brought with it new goals and desires. Everyone anticipates a new beginning as a means of letting go of the past and looking toward the future.
Here are some passages from the Bible that remind us that God’s mercies are new every day…
- “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’”–Lamentations 3:22-24
Accept Christ as the King of Your Life for a New Beginning
If you haven’t made Jesus the King of your life, start there. If you have, reflect on what that means. When Jesus is King of your life, you can move forward with purpose because He is the God of new beginnings, just as 2 Corinthians 5:17 states:
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Know How Perseverance Plays a Role in Your New Beginning
The road to a fresh start is perseverance since a fresh start frequently calls for patience. James 5:11 states:
- “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
See How Seasons Bring Fresh Starts and New Beginnings
Seasons bring about fresh starts and new beginnings. Autumn starts with the falling of vibrant leaves, winter with a blanket of cold snow, spring with the emergence of new life, and summer with hot, sunny days.
Every season has a purpose and is an opportunity to see God as the God of new beginnings. Receive the new thing He wants to do in your life this year. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:
- “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…”
Know That the God of New Beginnings Is the Provider for All
Jesus commanded the disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. After He made these statements, He followed up with the verse below. If you want to see new beginnings, reveal the Father’s heart to others and show them He is their provider. Then perhaps others will come to know the God of new beginnings too. Mathew 4:45 says:
- “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Forget About Your Past to Move into a New Beginning
God promises that in Jesus, all things are made new, and the former things fade away. God provides you with a brand new beginning by forgiving and forgetting about (Hebrews 8:12) your past. If the past trips you up, see your past the way God does–as no more, no longer determining your future. Isaiah 43:18-19 says:
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Believe in the Ending for a New Beginning
The ending is more significant than the start. You can get discouraged at the beginning or even in the middle of something. But focusing on the end helps you align your vision to see where you are headed. Thankfully, God has laid out the whole story in His Word, and you can look forward to the victorious ending to come. Ecclesiastes 7:8 says:
- “The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
Trust God Works to Give You New Beginnings
Part of God’s character is to create. He is always working things together for your good. He gives both desire and strength to pursue new beginnings and to accomplish them through His Spirit. This should bring a sense of awe and appreciation, knowing the God of new beginnings wants to work through you for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 states:
- “…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Examples of New Beginnings in the Bible
In the Bible, we see God as the God of new beginnings over and over again.
- He's the one who offers us hope and a fresh start when we're feeling down and out.
- He's the one who welcomes us with open arms, no matter what we've done.
Job
Take Job, for example. When everything in his life was going wrong, he turned to God and asked for help. And God restored him, giving him a new beginning. God is the God who restores!
Joseph
In the book of Genesis, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, but God later used Joseph to save them during a famine. The God of new beginnings is the God who uses evil for good.
Israel
The Israelites were captives in Egypt for centuries, but God eventually brought them out and gave them a new land to call home. God is the God of the Promised Land!
King David
King David was forgiven after repenting for his affair with Bathsheba. He was given a second chance to be king. The God of new beginnings is also the God of second chances!
Saul/Paul
Saul/Paul of Tarsus was transformed from a persecutor of Christians into one of the most influential evangelists in history. The God of new beginnings is the God of transformation!
These are just a few examples from the Bible of how God can use difficult times to create new beginnings. If you're feeling discouraged, trade it in for encouragement. Know that God is still in control, and He can give you a fresh start.
Jesus as Your New Beginning
Once you surrender your life to Jesus, you become a new creation. Here are some blessings you receive from God when you surrender your life to Christ.
A Brand-New Relationship
When you receive Christ, God establishes a new relationship with you. Because of your sins, you used to be estranged and separated from God. You were considered an enemy, but you have been adopted into His family through Christ, no longer an enemy but now a spiritually reviewed child.
- “…having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He [a]made us accepted in the Beloved.”--Ephesians 1:5-6
Another Citizenship
God also grants you new citizenship when you surrender your life to Christ. You continue to be a resident of an earthly nation but also a citizen of God's Kingdom. You are a citizen of heaven and can eagerly await your King.
- “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”–Philippians 3:20-21
A New Household
In addition to creating a new connection with Himself and granting you citizenship in His Kingdom, God also creates a new family for you—the family of God. You are not only tied to God but are also connected to other Christians. You now have a spiritual relationship with everyone who sincerely believes in Jesus Christ.
In fact, you will never feel alone when you know Christ, and this is one of the reasons why. You are a member of God's family–a family who loves and wants to speak truth and life into you and serve you.
- “But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’”–Matthew 12:48-50
A New Future
Your future before Christ was bleak. It was doomed for eternal death. However, through Jesus, you are now destined for heaven and have eternal life! Never lose sight of the fact that this life is temporary despite its difficulties and heartaches. Your burdens shall be lifted one day, and nothing compares to the glory to come. When you belong to God, a new future is set before you.
- “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”–Romans 8:18
A Fresh Journey
In this new year, pause and reflect on what Christ accomplished for you while on the cross. Meditate on the blessings God has bestowed upon you through Jesus. Choosing Christ isn't the end; it's the start of a new life, adventure, and journey.
How to Jump Start Your New Beginning
There are a few things you can do to make sure you make the most of your new beginning.
- Guard your heart. This means being mindful of what you allow into your mind and heart and being purposeful about filtering out anything that doesn't align with God's truth.
- Spend time in the Word. As you read and meditate on Scripture, renew your mind and align yourself with God's will for your life. This is such a vital part of the process!
- Worship. When you worship, you're declaring your reliance on God and surrendering to His plans for you. It's a powerful way to set the tone for your new beginning.
- Pray. Prayer is essential as you embark on this new journey. As you pray, ask God to lead and guide you and give you wisdom as you make decisions.
- Attend a group or service. There's something special about being in a community with other Christians walking through this journey with you. It's a great way to stay accountable and supported as you navigate your new beginning.
You are Not Alone
As you enter the new year, remember that you are not alone. You have a God who is with you every step of the way, a God who is the God of new beginnings. He has made promises to you, and He is a God who keeps His promises. May you find joy and hope in the new year, and may you experience the love and grace of God in fresh and new ways.
