Beech Tree News Network

I tend to associate a new year with a fresh start – an opportunity for a new beginning. Since many of us make personal changes this time of year, I want to share three thoughts. They relate to brokenness, deciding not to stay in that place, and the work required to move forward. 

First, Jonathan Van Ness said, “You’re never too broken to be fixed.” That’s a promising statement. Brokenness may be defined as damaged or altered in some way, and I believe there is hope for improvement until that final breath. However, many fail to recognize their brokenness which is essential for change to occur. Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV) says: 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Based on my faith, I believe God can provide us with the strength, the grace, and the tools to make healthy changes in our lives. For that to happen, we have to recognize our brokenness and ask for help.

Second, financier J.P. Morgan said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” That decision is the turning point. When deciding not to stay in that place, we have to ask ourselves: What needs to stop and what needs to begin so we won’t stay where we are? This is a serious question, and honest answers provide us with direction. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) says:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us….”

Throwing off everything that hinders and running the race away from that place where we don’t want to stay is life changing. For me, asking God to give me the strength to run that race is the key to making healthy changes.

Third, writer Carlos Castaneda said, “We either make ourselves miserable or make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” Yes, it’s a choice: miserable or strong. Work is required to move away from a place of brokenness; however, that work will strengthen us. Romans 8:28 (NIV) says: 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

As we take steps away from brokenness, I believe God works for our good, making us stronger. Will we stumble? Most certainly. Is God good every day? Absolutely.

As we ponder possible changes for 2023, we might consider these three concepts: brokenness, deciding not to stay in that place, and the work required to move forward. Brokenness appears in many forms. But a new year could be a new beginning – it’s our choice.