The Bible starts with these words – “In the beginning, God” (Genesis 1:1). As Creation unfolds, we see God bring forth land, sea, air and sky, animals and plants and fruit, and of course, people. It goes on to tell an incredible story of love, loss, sacrifice and triumph. But it all starts with God.
I don’t know what the new year holds for you, or me, or any of us. But I do know the best place to begin anything is with God. Jesus taught, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV).
What are “all these things”? Food, drink, clothing. The stuff of day-to-day life (v. 31). In Luke’s record, Jesus goes on to say, “Don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32). God has more than the contentment of our stomachs or the comfort of our bodies in mind – His gift is the entire Kingdom, the fullness of His riches, the undiluted joy of His presence, the pleasure of living with Him forever without fear that His goodness and mercy will be overthrown or withdrawn.
So as you welcome the new year, start with God. Make Him your beginning. Plant the seeds of all your hopes in the soil of His marvelous love and see what miraculous things He brings forth.
It has been a while since your blog came across my fb- and what a perfect one it is as we come to the end of 2021. LaMar is preaching on “our first fruits” over the next four days- and this reminder goes perfectly with what he will be speaking on. Glad to have your words and thoughts come across my path once again! Happy New Year B!