I love how The Message words the passage of Matthew 11:28-30, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get a way with me an you’ll recover you life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  A way to “keep company” with Jesus is to listen to Him and then to think about what He has said to you.

Enjoy the New Life We Have in Christ

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” -Revelation 21:5

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”                        -2 Corinthians 5:17

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them…” -Ezra 11:19

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:22-23

Focus on the Future, and God’s Plans for You

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” -Philippians 3:13-14

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”  -Psalm 20:4

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”  -Proverbs 16:9

Don’t Worry About What Is to Come

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” -Isaiah 40:31

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

“Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:5-7

Find Contentment in God This Year, and Give Thanks

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” -1 Corinthians 15:57

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:11-13

“You crown the year with your goodness and your paths drip with abundance.” -Psalm 65:11

May God’s powerful words that speak more life than I ever could, encourage you.  May you like the Psalmist say, “I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.” -Psalm 119:11