New Year. New Me. Same God.
In the beginning of January each year, there is often a flood of posts to the internet somehow including the caption, “New year, new me!” This cliché models the desire from individuals to leave their bad habits and negative qualities in the previous year, letting the new year become a stepping stone for healing and growth. However, most new year’s resolutions are given up on by the end of January. So, how can we genuinely and successfully seek growth and healing in the new year? New me. Same God. The only way.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 niv
God Never Changes
Although we are starting a new year and striving to be a new us, God is still the same! He has seen, known, and fully loved you at your worst. Often fear of disappointing others can sway us from our goals. It is important to carry the Lord’s faithfulness with you into the new year! He will never leave you nor forsake you. The same peace and contentment he brought Paul in all of his circumstances, He can and will provide for you. When things begin to not go how you planned, trust in the Lord’s Sovereignty and keep moving forward!
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
lamentations 3:22-23 esv
Setbacks Are A Necessary Part Of Growth
As you seek to grow in the new year, remember that growth is not linear! Failures and setbacks are all a part of learning. Even once you have all of the right tools, such as communication skills, memorized Bible verses, boundaries, etc., it takes time to learn how to apply them to your life. When you have setbacks, remember Lamentations 3:22-23. God’s mercies are new every morning! Each day provides us with a new opportunity to grow into who God is molding us into. We must be patient with ourselves to allow the grace and space needed to grow. Starting this year, give yourself permission to be vulnerable! As you acknowledge your downfalls and accept God’s grace in those areas, you will find freedom to walk in truth daily.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
proverbs 27:17 niv
Seek Godly Accountability
As you begin to take steps toward growth, find people to hold you accountable. It is important to note there is a difference between Biblical accountability and shame. Accountability points you back to the cross and the Word of God, while shame pushes you from God because condemnation makes you feel unworthy of Him. As humans, we are very forgetful. Read a couple chapters in Exodus and the Israelites will show you how truly forgetful we are. In addition to helping you remember God’s word and character, accountability in the church can also protect you from the lies of Satan. When I am meeting with a sister-in-Christ consistently and sharing my struggles and victories, she can help me see when I may be accepting a false belief as truth. If you don’t currently have someone who can walk in accountability with you, take some time to pray and think about who you could ask.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors.”
proverbs 11:14 niv
Our Christian Counselors Want To Walk Alongside You
Don’t be afraid to recruit counselors along the way to help you in your new growth. If you’ve never attended counseling before, it can certainly feel daunting. Know that there are counselors out there who want to walk alongside you while you find your footing. Our job is not to do the work for you, but to help you discover the steps yourself. Something I do with my teens and adults in my office is help them break down their goals into smaller baby steps. Each baby step reached is an achievement to be celebrated and a motivation to keep moving forward! However you need help in this new year, a counselor can be a great addition to your support system.
Contact Life Training Today
Soul health and spiritual maturity cannot be separated. Our counselors are ordained Christian ministers as well as certified and licensed Christian counselors. We are able to help you experience freedom from shame, anxiety, depression, or marriage issues with methods that are purely Christ-centered. Please click on this link to learn much more about how our Christian counseling in Louisville, Kentucky can help you become a more authentic follower of Christ, and help you find freedom from identity dependence.https://lifetrainingcounseling.org/
Life Training offers convenient sessions at https://lifetrainingcounseling.org/depression-counseling/our office in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as online counseling via Zoom or FaceTime. Our non-profit counseling practice has had an outstanding track record from over a decade helping men and women, individuals and couples who are ready to move beyond anxiety, depression, and conflicts in marriage or other relationships find hope and healing in their lives. Contact us today at 502-717-5433, or by email at drdave@lifetrainingcounseling.org