Back in November, I posted (to FB only) what I began hearing the Lord say for 2018. The one word that has been a constant, even until now, is “NEW”.
It will not be as it has been.
Though today is February 16th on our Gregorian calendar, today also marks the first day of the Jewish month Adar. Adar is the last (12th) month on the Jewish religious calendar before we start the new year. The new year, beginning with the month of Nisan, corresponds with the exodus from Egypt. It is the month in which Passover takes place, and it represents the start of the Biblical year for counting the festivals.
“This month (Nisan) shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you.” Exodus 12:2
You could say we are in somewhat of a transitional period right now, and I do sense that. Over the next few weeks especially, (leading up to Nisan 1 which will take place on our March 17th) I believe it’s important to allow the process of sifting to be completed. It’s also a time to gather up only that which is most valuable for moving forward. Let me explain further.
For many, 2017 represented a year of shaking. The shaking was for the purpose of sifting. (In a good way.) What felt like intensity, was for the purpose of sifting out what really didn’t matter so that what really does matter would rise to the surface and abide. It was so that you could see it more clearly. What had the strength to remain in your basket – now it’s time to build a strategy for moving forward in that area(s).
BUT – If there’s anything you’re still hanging onto that weighs you down – if there’s any area where you’re resisting the sifting – and you’re holding onto things that are not fruitful, things that only bring frustration, or things that feel like “old wineskin” – now’s the time to let them go. Whatever you don’t let go, you’ll be taking with you. Let go so that your hands will be free and your journey will be light as God brings you to the NEW THING(S) He has for you. Allow the process of sifting to be completed.
Secondly, gather up (or take account) of that which is most valuable.
What has remained in your basket? Now that you can see more clearly, what are the most precious things God has given you? What are you still the most passionate about? Where have you increased? Take note of the spiritual treasure you have built up. Know what it is. Name it. Account for it. And take moments to praise Him for what is in your hands. Those things are where your investments will come from in the future and praise will be the light that leads the way to where you’re going.
“Give me your lantern and compass, give me a map, So I can find my way to the sacred mountain, to the place of your presence…” Psalm 43:3 MSG
The new is coming, and indeed, it has already begun. This Spring you will begin to see the fruit of what you planted in previous seasons. Do you see? You won’t be able to collect the harvest and make room for more if you’re still hanging onto the old.
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?” Isaiah 43:19 MSG
Prepare.
Plan.
There are going to be many new ideas that finally take root and begin to blossom this year. And there are also many “old things” yes, well established things, that God is going to bring a sense of newness to. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice! Dance in His presence with singing. The former will be only but a memory.
Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be ALL THE GLORY.
Linda G. Riddle
Linda G Riddle 