“New year, new me.” Ever heard that one before? The first month of the year always brings about feelings of needing to start all over again. And why not? It literally is a new beginning. But it’s also a time to let go of the year that we’re leaving behind. It’s a time of reflection, and a time to evaluate what we’d like to change. Lots of mixed emotions this time of year, eh? So how about this: Instead of getting caught up in the cliches of a fresh start, let’s restore our roots. Let’s break the cycle of “making this is my year,” and instead live this year for HIS glory. Rather than stressing out about the creation of a “new you,” let’s restore the people God created us to be.
“He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3
To restore is to reestablish. The state or fact of being restored is a return of something to a former, unimpaired condition. It’s the restitution of something taken away or lost. The last few years have taken away lots of things, from traveling to in-person visits with friends and family and consistent time in offices or classrooms. What did 2021 take away from you? Maybe you lost your self-worth. Maybe a relationship or two. Maybe you lost sight of what’s important, or why you’re doing what you do each day. The fact is, in some way or another, we’re all broken. But good news—Our God restores. He restored Peter’s faith. He restored everything Job lost. He’ll restore you, too.
In the midst of brokenness, failures, sin, mistakes, and hurts that are experienced in this world, Jesus restores. The mercy and grace of God led Jesus to the cross to shed His blood, and rise again. It’s through that cross and resurrection that our restoration is possible.
In Joel 2:25, God says “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” In Jeremiah 30:17, He declares “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal.” In 1 Peter 5:10, we’re told He will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us. No matter what we’ve lost or what we’re leaving behind, Zechariah 9:12 confirms His promise: “Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.”
Wherever you need restoration, whether a relationship, your finances, your body, or your fellowship with God, it is possible because of God’s provision and willingness to do so. So set your new goals, make your 2022 resolutions and start your vision boards, but make sure the cross at the center. It’s not the new year that brings about a transformation. It’s not a new calendar for the next chapter that brings about 365 blank pages of exciting possibilities. It’s His love and provision that transforms us and restores our hearts in Him. And with Him, ALL things are possible.