You know what I hate? January. Every year I see it coming and if I’m completely honest I am a little fearful. Rather than using the time to reset, I find myself fumbling for where to begin or what to continue in. I see people around me setting and crushing goals, finding energy and inspiration in the newness, but that’s just not how I feel. Growth and change and setting goals are all great things, but in a year when it feels like things change every other day, this is not what I wanted. So, when I sat before the Lord on January 1 I found myself at a loss for words to express what I was feeling.

Hebrews 4:12 states, “God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

This verse was a reset for me. It reminded me that God has given me himself through his word. In the book of 1 John it reminds us that “in the beginning was the word, and the word was God.” God’s divine nature and spirit is given to us through the gift of his word! I felt relief knowing that I am not the one who has to come up with a new way to approach God or set some new goal in order to grow with him, because he is ALIVE in his word. 

He has given us himself through his word!

The word also has the power to discern what is in my heart. When I am unsure of what to approach God with, I can simply draw near through his word and it discerns what is already in my heart. He knows me better than any other, so I can take comfort in the fact that he is always acutely aware of my needs. I am reminded that I don’t have to have some big goal or a plan in mind, but that drawing near to the word is enough. 

As we approach a new month and a new year I want to welcome it with tireless hope, and encourage you to do the same. Keep in mind that God is always by your side, and he asks that we simply draw near. His word is ALIVE and will discern what is within our hearts, even when we don’t know how to express it.  

If you find yourself at a loss for where to begin I would urge you to simply draw near to the word and let it do the discerning for you. When we take the first step and draw near, scripture does what we cannot on our own. The bible is timeless, “living and active” if we only choose to step closer and allow it to do that. Rather than ask yourself, where do I begin? Just start. The transformation and growth that we often desire at the beginning of a new season will begin once we step closer to God in his word. He is waiting for you and will welcome you with eager arms!