As we are starting 2009, many of us want to say, “It’s GREAT that 2008 is over.” But often it’s the hard times that create the foundation for the good times. It’s in the times of darkness that light shines brightest. For me, the beginning of each year means a season of fasting. I know that this sounds unspiritual, but I hate fasting. I just get grumpy and want to sleep all day. But I love having fasted. It reminds me of the promise that God made through Isaiah about the fast God chooses:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.”
( Isaiah 58:6-8 )

I don’t get visions during fasting (except for food!), but after I’ve broken a fast I feel the yokes breaking from my soul and light coming like the dawn.  As the winter prepares the earth for the spring, the new year reminds me that there is the possibility of new opportunities; that we can make fresh starts.   The pain of hardship can create the innovation we need to forge new horizons.

The Scripture states that Jesus learned obedience through the things that he suffered.  There are some things that we don’t get through information, but only through pain (just watch how our nation will approach saving money this year).  So let’s make the most of this new year by gleaning what we learned from last year.  Take the time to review, take the time to renew, and allow the hardships of the past to make the most of our year to come.