Redefining New - Part 1

Yes, I know I'm a little late for a post about new year's resolutions, here we are almost 2 weeks into the new year and I'm just now mentioning it.  Believe it or not, I waited on purpose.  

Remember this post where I asked you to help me define the word new?   I got some great feedback from several of you in the comments and by email.  I've been studying this word and shared a message with a ladies group last week on this subject, but as usual, when I prepare something, I'm the one who learns.   So thankful God always ready to teach me something, well, NEW...

Here we are in the first few weeks of 2014 and all around us we're hearing about resolutions, goals, theme words, etc, etc.  Magazine covers promise 5 steps to a new you.  Organization ideas are plentiful. 

Every year, the calendar flips and we look for a clean slate.  We look for a new beginning, excited to push reset and try again.

The question that bugs me is - 

When December 31, 2014 rolls around, will we still be seeking another new?   Again?

Reflecting on what new meant, the words of Ecclesiastes 1, written by King Solomon, who was well-known for his wisdom, came to my mind  --

"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "Vanity of vanities!  All is vanity."
What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?
A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.
Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; and hastening to its place it rises there again.
Blowing toward the south, then turning toward the north, the wind continues swirling along;
and on its circular courses the wind returns.
All the rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is not full.  To the place where the rivers flow,
there they flow again.
All things are wearisome; Man is not able to tell it.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear satisfied with hearing.
That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done.
So, there is nothing new under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 1:2-9

These words don't sound very promising or full of hope, do they?  It sounds like a description of the vicious cycle of our lives.   The sun rises, the sun sets; a generation comes, a generation goes;  rivers flow to the sea, then back to where they started, the wind just blows in a big circle, starting all over again.

and.... the eye is not satisfied with seeing, and the ear is not satisfied with hearing.

Sounds like me...always wanting to see or hear something new.

Then it has to go on and say that there is NOTHING NEW under the sun.

Ughghghgh!!!

That word new in this verse means fresh.  There's nothing fresh under the sun.

Where are we?

Aren't we under the sun?

Yes.

Nothing new under the sun. Sounds kind of depressing, especially in the throes of a new year when we look for a new start, right?  So is there nothing new here?  Does this mean there is no hope for us?  Nothing new to look forward to?  No new beginnings? 

This world is going to stay as it is - broken.

It says there is nothing new UNDER the sun, nothing new here on this earth, BUT Creator God is not under the sun, friends.   Take a look at Revelation 21:5

And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new.  And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."

God is not under the sun, He is on His throne.
And He is making all things new.

That is something to rejoice about, He is not limited to working in this space under the sun.  He can work from home, so to speak and He's doing quite a job.

Join me for part 2 next time.  I think you'll like it!

XOXO,
Amy