January 1st, 2020 marks not only a new year, but also a new decade. Once again, many people will be making all kinds of New Year’s resolutions. People will be starting new diets and enrolling in gym memberships in efforts to improve their looks and lifestyles. Unfortunately, for the vast majority of people, the enthusiasm wanes quickly when it comes to implementing the “new me” changes. “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:10)
Mankind’s desire and subsequent efforts to change is nothing new. We all crave for that “something” to happen to us or in us that will change our lives, hopefully for the better. This craving for a life change leads some people to pursue a better education. For others, this life change will happen when they find a new job or career. For others, relocating to another state or country is the change that they think they need. More and more people believe that finding a new relationship or ending an old one is the key to this life change. Sadly, even when a person makes these changes, they find there is still something that is lacking deep within – that something that gives to life real purpose and meaning. Why? Because “there is no new thing under the sun.”
So where do we turn? Where does one go to obtain this “new me” change? Reader, listen to these words of The Lord Jesus Christ. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) What a promise! Only faith in Jesus Christ can make you new. The apostle John wrote, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3) When you come to faith in Jesus Christ, you enter into a life-changing relationship with The Father. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)
But being a child of God does not exempt you from trials or sorrows; they are inescapable. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Yes, sickness, disappointment, and bereavement are all a part of life. But Jesus said that in Him we can have peace, a peace that is not of this world. Because “there is nothing new under the sun”, the world system in 2020 is that same as it has been ever since man fell in the Garden of Eden. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16) Greed or lust or pride in 2020 is no different than it was 6,000 years ago. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
While there is really nothing new under the sun, we do experience a great deal of change throughout our lives. But we can have a relationship with The One Who never changes. “For I am the Lord, I change not;” (Malachi 3:6) “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Thus, as we face the ever-changing trials and tribulations of life, we can have faith in our faithful God Who promises that He “will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5) The Lord Jesus promised the apostles before He ascended on high, “…lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)
A new diet or gym membership will not really change you. A new career or a new location will not really change you. A new relationship or ending an old one will not really change you because it will still be the same old you. It is only by coming to Christ and placing faith in Him that we experience a real change. What we need is a change of heart. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26,27) Here is God’s New Years Revelation to you. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) And how does one receive a new heart and be made a new creature? “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17) “… Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37,38) Come, and keep coming to Jesus; drink and keep drinking of Jesus to have REAL life, not just in 2020, but forever!
