3:232 – Every New Beginning

#faithbites #faithjourney new

Setting

As we left our first-grade orientation, my youngest told me again that she was nervous. We talked about it and while she was excited, she was nervous as to what to expect. There wouldn’t be any more rest time, more homework, and more change.  A new beginning.

At work, we are adding new staff, changing responsibilities, and trying to do the best we can in the middle of a pandemic. I am excited for the future but nervous as to what expect. I wouldn’t have to be the center of everything, but that means giving up something to gain something. A new beginning. 

As we all transition from summer into fall, we are nervous. What will the world look like? Will be back in lockdown before long? Will what’s next be better than what came before? We are excited but nervous. A new beginning.

Most folks who were young adults in the late 90s, remember the song “Closing Time” by Semisonic. This was played when bars closed at night. The line that was famous then was “Closing time, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.” The other important line is “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

As we are looking toward the future and are nervous, our hope lies in Christ.

Scripture

• 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you
• John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
• Psalm 55:22 – When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Reflection

Our God was there before us, next to us, and will be there until even the end of the age. He loves us and wants the best for us. Being nervous and excited is part of the human condition and experience. When that nervousness takes over is when we need to reflect and see where we are at. 

Peter tells us to cast that all on Christ as he cares for us. Jesus himself says he gives us peace not as the world gives but as only he can be. Even the Psalmist says when they are afraid they put their trust in God. 

It’s not easy going to a new grade, a new school, or having everything we know change on us. Through Christ, we can turn from looking at the door that is closing (the other beginnings end) to the door that is opening (the new beginning).

He will guide us, protect us, and love us always. 

Challenge

Are you feeling nervous about the changing world? First, write down what is bothering you, making you nervous, and worrying you. Once they are on paper, pray on them. Ask the Lord to take these worries away. Then you don’t need to think about them. They don’t have to take space in your head. The Lord has given you a new fresh day.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, it seems like so many doors are closing and we can’t stay where we are but we feel lost. We are scared of that new door because it’s unfamiliar and we don’t know what’s behind it. Take away our fears, calm our nerves, and let us be excited for the new opportunities, new friends, and new experiences you have waiting for us. In your name, we pray, amen.