Part 2: How To start the New Year with the old

In the previous post, “Starting the New Year with the Old” I challenged you to stop running and from your past, and to face it. So if you took the challenge, and are reading this as an “okay, lady, now what?” Then woo hoo! You are on your way to true freedom.

We know from Deuteronomy 6:23 that God “... takes us out in order to take us in.” What is God wanting to take you out of so that He can take you into something greater? Whatever it is that comes to mind, surrender it to God. You may have a lot of “its” to face, but start with one, maybe the one that’s been breathing down your neck, or stopping you from reaching your next goal.

Step one: Realize you need God.

First of all, if we are to ever be truly successful in our endeavors, and to be totally free we must realize we cannot do this alone. We cannot do this without God. Sometimes we (me!) forget to include Him and believe that we can think our way into victory. It doesn’t work, so let’s stop that mindset right hurr. We are not smart enough to know what to do about our problems (on purpose). If you think that you are, then you believe you are smarter than God, and that is a long road you don’t want to take.

We need wisdom from God. We NEED His help. Plain and simple. The sooner we realize this, the better off we will be. Thankfully, His wisdom is readily available for us. And it’s okay to need Him, it doesn’t make you any less nor should you feel embarrassed to need help. We are all in the same boat.

God has given us every answer we will ever need. We just have to read it and believe it! We have to, have to, have to study the bible. I’m learning that there is no way around it. It’d be cool if the Word absorbed into your spirit, just by having the bible nearby, like syncing your iphone to your computer, but alas! I’ve tried it this way, and will tell you, it doesn’t work. This is your lifetime reading list, students. But good news, it’s only one book.

Don’t just take my word for it, take His:

Joshua 1:8 This book of the Law (the bible) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read (and meditate on) it day and night, so that you may be careful to do (everything) in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful.

Boom! What'd I tell ya?

We are on a journey, and have to learn life as it happens. So I say all of this to encourage, not to condemn you, if you haven’t been living by the Book, (pun intended). Sometimes God allows us to continue on our own rabbit trail for a while, allowing us to meet dead end, after dead end to become frustrated so that we learn (the hard way) that our own ways don’t work. He purposely frustrates us so that we turn to Him and rely on Him for what we need. (Job 5:12). But if you’re not ready to give up and turn for help, that’s okay. Just come back here when you are, sometimes experience is the best way to learn.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5

In Isaiah 30: 1,2 He actually warns us against turning away from trusting in Him, in order to take counsel in ourselves (and others) and carry out our own plan. Like, He calls them rebellious children and curses them. Whoa!

Don’t trouble yourself with asking every friend you come in contact with about what to do either, they don’t know what to do in their own lives, how could they possibly know what you should do in yours! Having confidants in your life that you trust and who care for and love you are a blessing! Yes, confide in them, pray with them, but ask God first, He knows what to do.

If you want to be free of your past, your fears and doubts. If you want to change the way you think and make better choices, if you want true freedom and a genuine fresh start then listen to God. He is speaking.

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Proverbs 3:6

I cannot emphasize the importance of this first step enough. My words are escaping me, but I really want you to get the urgency with what I am saying. Asking for help and believing that is is coming, is the only way that you will be successful. This first step is so important, as it builds the foundation for the rest of your journey. We must learn this and believe that God is good and able. We must have faith and apply it.

Lord I believe that if I am to be successful, if I am to overcome my past, that I need you. I am choosing today to trust you over what my circumstances may look like, over the opinions of others, and over the doubt that is staring me down. I know you care for me and you will bring freedom and healing into my life. I believe in you, and I want and need your help.

Thank you Lord for being everything I will ever need, for being the strength to my weakness. Thank you Lord that this is only temporary and you are making a way in the wilderness. I surrender my pain and strongholds to you and ask that you show my the way. Heal me Lord, show me what from my past is keeping me in bondage. I pray your protection and annointing over me as I walk in obedience with you!