Construction Zone Ahead

The new year often brings excitement and new beginnings.  It is at the top of the year that many people make the great New Year’s Resolution.  Our vision boards come out.  We make a determination that this is our year.  This year will not be like past years. We are going to do things differently.  After all, this is 2025…we have the motto: “Thrive in 25”  

Looking back on 2024, like many, I accomplished some of my goals, while others were adjusted or forgotten. I set out with the mindset  2024 would be the year that I finished what I started. I had my goals in mind, a vision board created, and ready to conquer the year.  So what happened? Where did I get off track?  How do I ensure, as I move into 2025, I do not fall into the same traps of yesteryear. So, as I move into this new year, I am taking time to reflect and do some self-examination. I do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past.  I want to make the decision and go forward, and as the Nike motto: “just do it”. One thing I know for sure, As I need to stop trying to do things on my own, and allow the Lord to work in me and through me.  

We have all seen and experienced the signs “Under Construction” and “Closed for Renovation”.  These signs, especially when we planned to take the path, or go to that store, may be frustrating, there is excitement in seeing what the new upgrades will bring.  We are excited about the newness that will come at the completion of the project.  We look forward to the brighter lights, smoother roads, wider lanes, faster service, and more options.  But how often do we allow ourselves to be closed for renovation, and under construction?  When we say we are a “work in progress” and “God’s not through with me yet” are we really open for the work God is doing, or is it a cliche to justify our behavior?

David prayed in Psalm 51:7 “purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.”  Purging is not easy, or fun. It can be a bit painful or uncomfortable.  Purging requires ripping away, and removing something.  Hyssop in the Bible was used for cleansing.  Even today, some use the hyssop plant for medicinal reasons, to heal what is sick or broken. Of course, once healed, it is important to stay clean, as to not reinfect. I know when I am sick, I want some medicine, a hot shower to wash away the “sickness” and clean clothes.

David later says in verse 10 “Create in me a clean heart oh God. And renew a right spirit within me”  In other words, make something new in me, as well as update what is there.  I love when things are new.  There is a freshness about it.  The new car smell. The new house smell. So how does this happen, if we are always on the go? How does the renovation happen, if we don’t close down and allow God to work?  I can only speak for myself here. I need to make the decision to stop, and close down, and let God work. As I am stepping into 2025, ready to thrive, I close down, so I can be under God’s renovation and construction plan.  He has the blueprint. I shut off self, others, distractions, etc. so He can work.  And as He works on me and in me, the necessary updates will happen.  As I stay with Him, I know as it states in 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold the new has come.”

Are you ready to “Thrive in 2025”?  If so, take some time and close off for renovation, so God can do the necessary construction within you. Stay in Christ, and watch the new come! 

#underconstruction  #closedforrenovation