The approach of a new year is an exciting time!
Filled with opportunity.
Filled with promise.
Filled with hope.
And we leave some things behind. Especially in 2020, you may be glad to leave more than a few behind.
A key part of the “Nothing Wasted Life” idea is not just in activity but also the areas for space, rest, and reflection. So we’ll offer tools like these at various points.
New year discussions have been very meaningful times for my family and I. Whether about the year or things to change, it has been good for our relationship with God as well as a good time for us to be together. (That is not to say everything goes according to a plan, but there are some real moments of grace the occur in whatever happens.)
2 Keys to Leaving Last Year
Beginning the new year well means leaving the last year well. Now is a time to be thankful for the blessings and the good gifts God has brought in the year. It is also to lament the things that may not have manifested or the trials or suffering you experienced.
Or even just the trials of this COVID year may be enough.
But God was (and is) at work in it all. As we often note, nothing is wasted. And as we leave this year, we see the very practical opportunity and practice that comes out of Romans 8:28 which says “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
God has a special way of working with His children’s (our) pains and trials. And while moving on to new things can be hard, a new year change or resolution can be hard to follow through.
Sometimes it’s poor discernment, not seeking God, or running on our own. But slowing down can help. To pray. To listen. To celebrate. To grieve.
Practical Ideas for a “New” New Year
While such times can be alone, they are great to do with others! Whether you invite a couple friends, do it with your spouse, or engage it as a family.
For many years now, my family and I find it a good time to share some reflections. We connect with God but also with each other meaningfully. (And, let’s be real, it is not always idyllic, but the great thing is that something good always comes through. (And some of the most memorable ones will be what did not go right!)
And some of the most memorable ones will be what did not go right!
So here are some tips, especially if you are doing this with others like your family or friends:
- Give these questions early. Many need time to think especially if being asked to share, even with family.
- If a young child, do it with them individually beforehand. I have found these to be very meaningful times with our kids. Pray and help them see how the Holy Spirit may work in such moments. Don’t pressure for answers but see what comes up whether on the subject you are on or not.
- Make the time to meet special. Have a special snack, prep a fun activity afterward, or have a special place or meal.
- Use various ways to share. You can walk through each one and whoever would like to share can. Or ask everyone to share three but they can pick. (This can make it much more comfortable for people and offers them the chance to think about it.)
- Beforehand, cast a vision that God wants to meet with you/them personally! Invite Him to lead and His Spirit to guide. (There are some helpful passages below this post to reflect on or use.)
- Close with a time of praying for one other person present. BONUS: Try having each offer an encouraging comment about the person next to them (who they are, their character, etc.) We use this year around and find it to be not just encouraging but builds our relationship with one another.
NEXT STEP: Below this post is a prayer and some Scripture verses as well as a link to a reflection sheet.
Final Tips: New Year Persevering
As you come out of such reflections, many times people struggle with a new year whether leaving it behind or living the classic “new year resolution”. Hopefully this reflection will help you hear how God may be pointing you.
And, if changing something, try to choose only one or two. It is always easier to build on one small successful change rather than many unlived good intentions.
It is always easier to build on one small successful change rather than many unlived good intentions.
Why is it a struggle to complete it? Many times people see so many good things they don’t want to miss the “best”. And, in the effort to find that, they do it all. As a result, usually it is too hard to get to any of them. So not even the “good” ones are able to be followed through.
So, as you enter another year, look for that “one thing” that God may be bringing His grace to help you change in your life. See the “good” God is blessing you for in the next year.
And be happy with being faithful in the “one thing”.
A Resource to Help
It can be hard to figure out what to explore to discern your new year. Here is a 2021 Planning & Reflection sheet (at the Resource page) and some passages below to get you started.
Have a very happy New Year!
We’d love to hear your “new year tips” (or how it went)!
**Examples of New Year Prayer & Scriptures**
(A Potential) Prayer: [[Use “we” for families or groups.]]
Jesus, I know that you came to give life, a life to the full — for others but also for me. As I approach a new year, I ask for your healing and forgiveness from the sins I’ve committed — as well as my wounds from others’ sins toward me.
Holy Spirit, you are doing a transforming work in me. Help me to live with hope in my dark times. And with humility in my victorious and good times.
As this next year begins, I want to follow You into it God. When I do, not only is it glorifying to you but it is also the best for me; it is life! And when I may fail, help me to know Your grace, mercy, and love for me. Thank You! Work in my life and through my life in 2021. In the name of Jesus Christ I move into 2021. Amen.
Potential Bible/Scripture Verses:
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. –Ephesians 5:8-17
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned. –James 5:10-12
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:14-16
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. -Galatians 6:9-10
