In With the Old

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12, NIV)

New year. New beginnings. New resolutions.

As the sun rises on 2011, most of us take inventory of our lives and look at the new year as a chance to hit the reset button. We hope to make a fresh start, change directions, try new things or “get it right” this time. Sometimes we hope that after a long December, maybe this year will be better than the last. (Thank you, Counting Crows.)

Ever since I became a Christian eight years ago,  God’s brought me into exciting experiences. Each year I’ve watched my faith grow exponentially as God’s prodded me to go further. To be adventurous. To use my talents and heart for His glory. And He’s led me into many ministries in my life: Bible study leading, writing, mission trips, prison ministry and more. He’s even taken hold of my creative and technical skills. I felt certain that something BIG was on the horizon.

But nothing big has come to pass and the thrill is fading. The “same old, same old” is setting in. And I’m getting a little weary.

It seems my honeymoon with God is over.

I wrestled with this for a good part of last year.  Where’s the exhilaration of my faith? Did I take a wrong turn? Did I misunderstand God? What happened?

Through the words of a very wise friend, I heard the Lord whisper, “What’s in your hand?”

Huh? My hands are empty.

“No. What’s in your hand? Moses held a staff and My glory was shown through that. What are you holding onto?”

What’s in my hands? Hmmm. I paused to think. Well, a lot actually.

“Use those things—for me.”

That’s when I understood. Through the relationships and ministries God’s already blessed me with, my hands are full. I don’t need to branch out into the next big thing; I need to set roots. I need to grasp hold of the “old” and recommit to it with enthusiasm and purpose.

I need to mature.

“He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8, NIV)

In every relationship it happens—the honeymoon phase ends and everyday life kicks in. It’s in the ebb and flow of the day to day where commitment is tested, loyalty is honed and love is refined. It’s here where we go deep and set roots.

My relationship with Jesus is really just getting started. Seeds of faith have been planted and watered. They’ve even sprouted and blossomed. But, I know adventure seeking and fickle emotions cannot be my guide to eternity. As Jeremiah says, “The heart is deceitful above all things.” (17:9) Even though I’m better at starting than following through, I want to follow as God calls. I pray He gives me the strength and wisdom to do so.

This year, I’m not looking to the horizon for the next big thing, I’m just glancing past the tip of my nose for all that’s already before me. I’m taking hold of it with enthusiasm. And I’m offering the “old” back to Lord to make it new again.

As we start a new year, what’s in your hand?

Kelli Regan

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