Setting A Course For The New Year

1. Embrace Healing Through Confession

Psalm 32:3–5 “3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah”

• Point: The new year is a time to release the burdens of hidden sins and unresolved issues.

• Application: Like David, we can experience healing and renewal when we acknowledge and confess what we’ve hidden.

• Challenge: Don’t carry the weight of unconfessed struggles into the new year.

2. Confront the Shadow Side

James 1:14–15 “14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

• Point: Repressed fears and desires shape our behavior and can lead us off course.

• Application: The new year is a chance to face our “shadow sides”—those hidden areas that we often ignore.

• Challenge: Take time to reflect and identify where these hidden struggles may be influencing your life.

3. Seek Authenticity and Freedom

Matthew 23:27–28“27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

1 John 1:8–10 ESV

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

• Point: True freedom comes from living authentically, without hiding our struggles.

• Application: In the new year, choose authenticity—bring your fears, failures, and struggles to God.

• Challenge: Seek God’s forgiveness and mercy, and embrace a fresh start.

Conclusion:

• Encourage the congregation to embrace the new year as an opportunity for spiritual renewal.

• Challenge them to leave behind what weighs them down and step into a new year with a heart ready for change, healing, and growth.