The beginning of a new year can bring a fresh start, renewed hope, and great expectations for what’s to come.
This is what I initially thought when writing the final song for my EP, “Starting Here.” I decided to release the song on the first day of 2023, thinking it could be a great way to remind others to start the year off with Jesus.
But… I wanted the lyrics to have a deeper, more specific meaning.
When it comes to any new year, my goal is to always start off strong, whether it be my relationship with the Lord, reading my Bible and praying more intentionally, regularly exercising, eating healthy, etc.
One thing the Lord had previously brought to my attention was starting off “strong.”
I’m pretty sure that’s how we all want to generally be in life.
But this time He mentioned to me, what if I started this year out weak?
Growing up, we’re implicitly taught to be strong. We hear this message in mass media and from those we are closest to. We’re reminded to “stay strong” in times of hurt or pain, we’re told to “tough it out” in times of trial. Phrases like “you got this” and “don’t give up” become part of our regular speech.
I’ve never thought of myself as weak, but what if I intentionally start this year off weak?
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says
“‘…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me… For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
If I try to accomplish everything in my own strength and will power, it doesn’t leave room for God’s infinite power in my life. If I’m being honest, constantly doing everything in my own strength can be extremely depleting.
This year, I desire to start right where I currently am: weak, worried, and at times, feeling lost in a wilderness.
I desire to start with acknowledging who God is. I don’t want to live a moment without the One I know created me. I don’t want to think “I got this” or I don’t need His help with seemingly simple tasks. I have a chance to invite Him into every situation, having consistent dialogue with Him and realizing He is truly with me every step of my life journey.
Starting Here means more than just the day it was released on.
Starting Here means beginning my day with thankfulness unto God.
Starting Here means remembering God’s faithfulness in my past.
Starting Here means surrendering to God in the unknowns of my life.
Starting Here means God is the only one who has the best plan for my life, to give me a hope and future.
Let’s start here, acknowledging that I am weak and inviting God into my weakness so His infinite power and strength can help me and carry me throughout this year and every day of my life.
-Ruthie Larbi