#37 – A New Year of Contentment – January 2, 2025
2 Corinthians 5:17, “…old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
This verse describes what happens when a person has become a new creation through the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It also reminds me of the year past and the excitement of the New Year ahead. We have now rolled over into 2025 and a new opportunity to make changes in our lives.
Every day, not just at the beginning of each year, gives us that opportunity. To embrace the day with gratitude for another chance at righting a wrong, overcoming a bad habit or addiction, changing our mind set in how we treat others, and in growing closer to a God who loves us enough to give us the greatest Gift ever given at this time of year.
2024 has surprised us with many destructive things; floods, hurricanes, fires, bombing, deaths, and sicknesses.
We’ve dealt with the loss of many friends and family members, people struggling with finances and depression, churches closing due to the lack of attendance, children believing that violence is a way of finding contentment in a delusional world. We’ve been shocked at allegations brought against people we respected and looked up to. We’ve seen disrespect for our veterans, our country, and our beliefs. People who should be role models have turned a blind eye to their significance toward our children.
On the other hand, we’ve seen much good happen in this past year. I’ve seen extraordinary deeds as people, at the risk of their own lives, have helped complete strangers. I’ve been acquainted with at least three people who have fought and won their battle over cancer. I know people who have been jobless for a long time get a position they could only dream of. I’ve witnessed churches helping other churches in fund raisers and community services and I’ve known family members reunited after many years of separation.
When little baby Jesus was born, He came to bring unity and comfort, deliverance and healing, life and forgiveness. Each year will bring some bad things, but we all have the ability to make it better, even if it’s just in our little corner of the world.
Be a little more patient out on the roads when you’re driving. Wave someone out who is waiting to get through heavy traffic and do it with a smile. Let someone with just a few items, or a fussy child, go first in a grocery line. Throw a few cents down on the counter to help someone scrambling to come up with enough money to buy that loaf of bread or gallon of milk. Teach your children to say “Thank You” when they receive or offered something but, above all, teach them the joy of giving. Spread the gospel by actions more than by words. People sometimes tend to see things better than they hear them.
My desire for 2025 is to be more content with whatever situation I find myself in. We’re not rich, by worldly standards, but we have what we need and little bit more. I never want to harm or disrespect another. I want to be more in tuned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of my life and know that when I am weak He can strengthen me again.
Paul states in Philippians 4:11-13, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased (humiliated), and I know how to abound (be plentiful). Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Paul talks about contentment in every situation. I know it’s hard to do. When sickness, hurt, or the loss of loved ones enters our lives, we tend to complain and get depressed. I know, because I have complained also because of trouble that has come upon me or my family. But it was useless to worry or complain. God always helps us get through it.
As Job was going through more trouble than we can imagine, his wife says to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” But Job answered her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?”
Yes, trouble, sickness, or loss will invade some of us this year. Stay strong and know that God knows everything you’re going through. He will help you get through it if you continue to have faith and believe that He is not wanting that any of it hurt you, but to make you stronger.
Let the anticipation and joy of the coming year bring you love, laughter, health, and may others see the faith and strength in you to trust God in all things!
Nancy Stoppe
(Jenner Township Baptist Church, Boswell, PA 15531)Blog – inspirationalinsights6.com
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