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Well that’s all that “repent” means, i.e., “change your mind”, or your attitude.
Change your way of thinking, make an about turn and get on the right path.
The End Of The Year Is Nigh
So the end is nigh for this year, as we get ready to embark on another fresh one yet again.
Just a few more days of a year filled with challenges, set-backs and disappointments.
Good riddance!
But wait…was it really any different from other years filled with challenges, set-backs and disappointments?
Will this coming year really be free of those things?
Of course not!
Yes, it’s a fresh start filled with hope and optimism. That’s always a good thing.
However, the year itself is not going to provide wonderful things in our lives.
Let’s Make It The Best Year Of Our Lives!
We might look back and think “This was the best year of my life!” but it really had nothing to do with the year.
At the end of the day it’s what we decide that will make or break the next year.
That doesn’t mean that there won’t be challenges or things out of our control happening.
What it does mean is that the one thing that is always in our control is our attitude.
The hope, enthusiasm and determination we have on the first day of January has to last us till the last day of December.
It’s Not Over Till It’s Over
Remember also that December is still part of the year!
So many times in December, even from November sometimes, people start talking about all the great plans for the next year.
Why have they given up already?
A lot can still happen in one month.
Are We There Yet?
As can be expected on any worthwhile journey, we may get tired and discouraged along the way, and feel like giving up.
The choices then are either to turn back, stay where we are…or keep going.
It helps to treat the journey like a plane trip.
I’ve done a fair bit of travelling abroad in my time. It’s always exciting to go to new places and experience new things.
My favourite part of the journey though is actually arriving.
The part I really don’t enjoy is the getting there or the actual journey itself.
You know, getting up at the crack of dawn to get to the airport on time.
Working out where to queue up in the airport then spending another eternity just sitting around waiting for the flight.
Finally boarding the plane then waiting for yes, you guessed it, another eternity for the plane to take off.
Then of course the flight takes at least seven hours – to all the places I’ve been to they have.
Even longer and more hassle when you have to connect flights.
Getting off the plane takes another hour.
No wonder there’s a race to get to the front as soon as the all clear is given to do so.
No Point In Giving Up
It’s finally over when you arrive at your hotel or wherever you’re staying for the duration.
Phew!
Let the fun begin!
The point is, once you are on the plane, you can’t change your mind.
You can’t say, “I’m really not enjoying this trip and I really don’t want to go to XYZ anymore, so stop the plane now and let me off!”
Your last chance to turn back is when you’re at the outbound airport.
However, you’ve already invested time and money which will all go to waste.
There really is no benefit in giving up now.
Might as well push through to the end where your reward will be waiting!
Let’s Go Fly A Plane
On the flip side, what about if you realise that the direction you’re heading in is totally disastrous?
Repent!
You thought you were on the right track. It was the only track you knew after all.
You weren’t necessarily happy on this journey.
You did things you knew were wrong but that didn’t bother you as it was par for the course. (Proverbs 14:12)
The only vague but crucial thing about the journey was that you didn’t really know where exactly you were going to, or where you would end up.
Until you finally realised somehow that it wouldn’t be good.
The difference with this journey is that unlike a commercial plane, you are the one in the driving seat.
You can take the plane in any direction you want.
Happy Times Are Here…Really?
If things are not going the way you want them to in spite of all your efforts, or if you are experiencing negative events beyond your control, be encouraged!
By all means seek whatever professional help you may feel you need.
Speak to friends or relatives who you trust and can confide in.
Ultimately though, you are the only one who can control your thoughts and behaviour.
That is a blessing!
You are always in control of you.
Walk By Faith And Not By Sight
You know, God has great plans for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11).
Sometimes it seems like it’s a long time coming. It might even feel like we’re on our own.
Trusting God to do for us what we may not be able to do for ourselves is the key.
Don’t fret on what it looks like, no matter how hopeless it might seem. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
We start strong and finish strong!
We keep believing, even if circumstances (or people) are screaming at us that it’s hopeless and not going to work. (Romans 3:4)
Even if we get knocked down and get the wind knocked out of us.
Yes We CAN!
We CAN have our dreams fulfilled.
We CAN turn our lives around.
We CAN receive mercy and grace.
If we really want to.
Determination All Year Long
Let’s determine that in this year coming, defeat can never be an option.
Even on 15 January, 1 February, mid March and every day of the year!
Even if we run out of “Rah rah” every so often, our feelings is not what counts in the end.
It’s our faith.
