The new year is an observation by the whole world that a time has passed and a new time has begun. That thought inspires many to see the moment as an opportunity to bring positive changes to their lives and begin anew, often evinced in new year resolutions.

The Bible supports the idea of new beginnings, and the hope that such newness brings new opportunities to build upon the good progress we have made toward our goals, and in some areas, the opportunity of leaving the past behind.

Paul spoke about this in Philippians 3:13,14 saying, "One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"

The new year is a time many consider choosing a new direction or path to embark upon. This can be in minor ways or in major ways. But resolutions that will last require not only time to reflect but also wisdom.

In Proverbs 3: 5-6 we read, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path."

In studying these verses, three words are significant when it comes to this concept of new beginnings and the wisdom that is available to make sound choices. These three words are: ways, acknowledge, and direct.

The word ways means, "a road, a course, or a mode of action." It suggests specific opportunities a person may encounter on a recurring basis. The most common segment of opportunity we experience regularly is a new day. In the book of Psalms there are many references to the lovingkindness and mercies of the Lord God being new every morning. This passage here in Proverbs suggests that in all our days we should acknowledge God, and in so doing He will direct our paths.

Of equal significance is the word acknowledge. This suggests being fully aware of and in fellowship with God. This is the source of the wisdom we need to make wise choices. Acknowledge can be translated as "know," meaning to know by observation, investigation, reflection, or firsthand experience. But the highest level of this word in Hebrew means "in direct, intimate contact." This refers to life-giving intimacy, and suggests an intimacy with God in prayer that conceives and births blessings and victories. This is truly what we are hoping for in the new year or the new day.

The wisdom of God's ability to direct our paths is described by the Hebrew definition of the word which means to be straight, right, upright, pleasing, and good. In Prov 3:6 it is in the intensive form which means to make straight and right. God will straighten out and cause to be good and pleasing the path of His devoted, trusting servants.

Thus from this Proverbs text we might conclude that if in all our days we maintain direct, intimate contact with God, He promises to direct our paths toward fruitful, life-begetting endeavors. This is achieved and experienced as we daily take time to sit, read, and meditate with the Word of God. His Word will produce trust, wisdom, fruitfulness, and blessing in our hearts and lives. It is the resolution that can seize the opportunities available to you in this new year...daily!!

May it be a New Year full of blessing and healing for you all!