I have never been one to make New Year’s resolutions. I have always tried to avoid making promises I can’t keep! Hahaha! 

I have, however, always enjoyed the beginning of each new year. I am a nostalgic soul that loves to look back on the memories of the past year, listen to the top music hits of the year, and at the end of the decade, look back at the past ten years and marvel at all that has happened. 

My favorite part, though, is really just the idea of a fresh, new year, like a promise of great things to come. Yes, I am aware that bad things will occur in the coming year, but I love to look forward to all of the roses of beautiful things that will happen amongst the thorns of bad things. It feels like a possibility. Like a FRESH start.

Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word FRESH is: having its original qualities unimpaired; full of renewed vigor; newly experienced; disposed to take liberties; fashionable or cool.

I’m not going to discuss getting “fresh” with your momma or the latest fashion craze or the best thing on TikTok. In the new year, I am focusing on the experiences that a new year brings. New, original experiences, still unimpaired by the negative. Full of renewed vigor. FRESH.

As a woman who has now passed the age of 40, how can I say this will be a fresh year or that I will meet new experiences without negative impairments? Because I have a God who loves me enough to bring me a new sunrise each day, the promise of a rainbow, and His strength when I have none! I have seen my fair share of rainy days and pit-of-your-stomach sickening problems and anxious moments and grief. But trusting God is the best, most refreshing thing I can do! His Word is true. His love is unfailing. What a mighty, wonderful God I serve! I know He will bring me through this year because I am His child. Whatever I face, I face with God at my side! So let’s face the new year with joy!

Fresh 

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” -Psalm 92:12-15

Renewed

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. -Psalm 103:1-5

Invigorated

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9

Positivity

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Each day I choose to put God first, I feel fresh, renewed, strong and more optimistic. So I challenge you to face EACH and EVERY day of this new year with a FRESH start by reading the Word, praying to God, meditating in quiet time. 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. -Psalm 34:8

Emily Kilby
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