“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5
Fresh starts usually come in January with the beginning of a new year. But sometimes life changes give you a fresh start. My husband and I are embarking on some big changes that will give us a fresh start. (Again!) More info to come when details are confirmed.
Do you need a fresh start? Here are some reasons why you may want a fresh start too:
1. You’re unhappy with your home. Whether it’s too small or too big, too cheap or too expensive, too urban or too country, too inconvenient or too crime-ridden, too far from family or too far from work, something needs to change.
2. You’re unhappy with your career. Whether it’s low pay or high stress, or not enough benefits, respect, fulfillment, challenge, or purpose, you want something different.
3. You’re unhappy with your relationships. Whether you don’t have friends, a romantic partner, or a spouse, or you’re unhappy with the ones you do have, you need a fresh start in your relationships.
4. You’re unhappy with your outlook on life. Whether it’s a mental health struggle, an addiction, negative relationships, guilt and shame, or a lack of faith, your outlook needs an overhaul.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Here are some changes you can make that initiate a fresh start:
1. New home – renovate, or move to a new home, town, state, or country.
2. New career – change positions or employers; or start a new career or business.
3. New relationship – refresh, commit, or begin a new relationship.
4. New outlook – seek counseling, sobriety, friends, forgiveness, or faith.
Make no mistake. These areas are connected. You can’t buy a larger home if your career doesn’t pay you enough income. Your relationships will struggle if your negative outlook affects others. Forgiveness can mean forgiving yourself as well as others.
My friend, if you need a fresh start, be open minded. Brainstorm options and do what you can do to make a positive change. Think outside the box. Write down any crazy idea you can think up. Free-thinking lets you mix and match ideas that can create a workable plan. Take the time to pray it through and make wise decisions.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Proverbs 21:5
If you’re nervous, start small. But beware of making changes that continue on the same path. For example, changing positions with the same employer may increase income, but not add benefits or relieve stress. However, this could be a small step toward bigger changes down the road.
If you have the wherewithal to make a major change, and you see significant benefit to making that change, prayerfully consider going for it. Ask God’s direction and provision.
As we should do in every decision, large or small.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
Not everyone needs a fresh start. Maybe you’re content exactly where you are. Good for you!!!
Sometimes a fresh start is simply refreshing your home, career, relationship, or outlook. Consider tweaks like redecorating, reorganizing, learning a new skill, scheduling days off or date nights, reading a self-help book, or starting a fun hobby.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
But if you’re restless or yearning for something different, pray first, brainstorm ideas, and pray again throughout the process.
Why pray? This verse says it all:
“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”
Proverbs 21:30
The Bible has much to say about plans. More than I can share here. I encourage you to prayerfully study what God’s word instructs. Here’s a great website to research: www.biblegateway.com. You can search any word in any Bible translation to see for yourself what God has to say. I searched the word PLAN, but try purpose, direction, change, work, home, health, or anything that might help you.
May you live the abundant, purposeful life God planned for you.
God bless,
Dianne
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
Psalm 20:4
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I love the free-thinking idea when planning a fresh start. I also want to start small with a specific, measurable goal and add on. I’ll pray, plan, and report my success.