The best time for new beginnings is now. – Unknown

The beginning of a new year always creates the perfect backdrop for new beginnings. During the first few days of 2020, posts depicting new year resolutions or single-word targets flooded social media. I joined in the flurry when I published my last blog post. 

But in the midst of all the new year hype, one scripture came to my mind which seems to negate all the hopeful anticipation attached to 2020:

What has been will be again,

    what has been done will be done again;

    there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV)

A cursory reading of this Scripture casts a shadow of doubt over the possibility of new starts. However, when studied in context, this passage leads to a deeper understanding. 

Solomon, the author, cites many recurring patterns found in nature: the rising and setting of the sun; the ebb and flow of the winds; all streams flowing into the sea; and generations of people who come and go. 

Some scholars believe the use of the phrase “under the sun” indicates Solomon did not mean to include spiritual principles in his claim of “nothing new”. His words reflect how a life lived outside the presence of God is meaningless. 

While Solomon only focused on the physical world, spiritual truths also follow patterns. For instance, the Bible teaches us:

A man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7b NIV)

Few of us would argue this point. When we make resolutions, we try to change our outcome (what we reap) by changing our behavior (what we sow). 

Unfortunately, a problem often arises because our behaviors follow patterns as well. Recently I read a statistic stating 8o% of new year resolutions fail. We simply fall back into old patterns of behavior.

Alexander MacLaren, a Bible Scholar and Commentator noted the following principles as effective change agents:

• Conviction: When we adopt a new belief, it alters the direction of our lives. 
• Affection: When we embrace a new love, it transfigures our lives.
• Motivation: When we assume a new passion, it enhances all aspects of our lives.

When we choose to follow Jesus, we naturally experience changes in convictions, love and motivation. For this reason, He is the ultimate change agent:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) 

Now is the perfect time for a new beginning. Rather than sowing changes in our behaviors, let’s concentrate on deepening our walk with Jesus. New convictions, greater love and nobler motivations will produce the changes we seek.

To reap a harvest of lasting change, we must intentionally sow the proper seeds. 

As I continue on my road in this new year, I pray to focus on the One who makes me new. As you embrace your goals for 2020, I pray the same for you.