Do you need a fresh start? Maybe your life has kind of been like a treadmill where you’re moving, but not getting anywhere? Perhaps you’re starting over with a new job, a new relationship, an exercise plan or a diet? It’s not too late to start over.
Most of us like things ‘new.’ We love new. We like the new car, the new relationship…We like new and improved. God likes new too. He is into new, new birth, a changed life. God sees the new in advance. He sees what’s ahead and wants to get us there.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it. I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19
We can learn from God’s word to Israel. He speaks to the prophet Isaiah about the nation’s future in a time of great national distress. Israel’s sins have determined their future exile. By God’s mercy they can start over despite their self inflicted consequences. They can have a fresh new start, but they need to cooperate with God.
Regardless of what you need a fresh start with write it down and get it in your mind. Here are some action steps to start over.
First, identify your pain.
Isaiah declares in 6:1, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord…” Like Isaiah, a significant life event can foster a deep needed change within an individual or a nation. For us it may not be a death, but a death of a dream, the loss of a job or a relationship. Whatever the pain it’s important that we ask ourselves, “How can I start over?” Is it possible? Yes, it’s never too late to start over.
Unlike Isaiah many deny the pain in their life and say, “it’s no big deal, I’ve moved on” and pretend what’s in the past is the past. I am not saying dwell on our past, but if we’re not honest with the impact of our disappointment and pain we can never truly start over. The glossing over of our pain can become our ball and chain.
Those who continue to be trapped in their pain can become apathetically stuck. If the masks we’ve been wearing don’t work why continue to wear them? Why not try something new? Isn’t it about time?
Pain is a great motivator to start over. Can you identify your pain with Isaiah, “In the year Uzziah died I..” (your pain) “I began to drink heavily; I gave up and disengaged with life?” Could that be you? Do you want a fresh start that will last? If so, what is broken in your heart?
What if you do nothing with your grief, then what? God wants you to be honest with Him. He intimately knows everything about you, so don’t wait to bring your pain to Him, do it now (I Peter 5:7).
Secondly, recognize it’s all about God.
In the midst of his nations’ painful consequences Isaiah said, “I saw the Lord, high and exalted… and the seraphim cried Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory”v.1,3.
When I identify my pain and truly recognize who God really is and my need for Him He becomes my motivation to start over.
For millions starting over is about the power within you for three easy payments. Real change will not last without God. Lindsay Loham is not going to change without God. Until it’s all about God it’s just recycled weirdness, a re-inventing of ourselves. You don’t want to waste your one and only life do you?
How big is your God? Is He big enough to help you deal with your pain and help you start over? Who or what has your main attention? If God is not the center for you, who is?
Join us for the rest of the action steps in the next blog.
Shalom,
Mark
mark@startingoverworkshops.com
