God is Doin a Nu Thang

One of my all time guilty pleasure songs is Nu Thang by dc Talk. For those of you who did not grow up during the height of CCM culture, stop what you are doing and Google dc Talk right now (then come back and finish this blog). They may not have created the genre, but they certainly perfected it and brought it to the mainstream.

The song reaches the pinnacle of late 80's, early 90's musical camp with synthesized drums and serious white boy raps. Toby Mac was back without slack. And it starts off with a crisp acapella hook to get you going. (click the image to the right to listen courtesy of youtube)

"You know He's doin it. God is doin a nu thang. You know He's doin it. God is doin a nu thang."

I love how incredibly cheesy this song is. I love its lyrical gymnastics. I love the crazy keyboards. I love how it reinforces the fear that the secular world has of "christian music". But as I sit here thinking about 2016 and what opportunity it holds, I have gotten a nu perspective on this old classic.

The lyrics talk about how God remains the same but He is always working in a new way in the world around us. He never changes; His character is constant. He loves us like a Father and wants to care for and provide for us. He also wants us to live a good life, worthy of our name and our inheritence. He is committed to us, faithful to what He says He will do and He is always ready to bring us joy and peace. But He is also wit da times.

God knows what our world is like. He knows how the problems we face are different (and sometimes the same) as they were even a generation ago. He is not surprised by a housing market crash. He isn't caught off guard when politicians are elected that do not reflect His values. And He isn't fazed by social security drying up.

With the start of a new year, we are reminded of all of the possibilities for both good and bad that year may provide. For some of us, we can't wait to tackle the new job, project, or travel plan. For others, we expect that this year will bring more of the same heartache that 2015 brought. To both groups, the Bible brings hope that this year will be better than you expect.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we are reminded that those who truly follow Christ will be made new. The old is gone and the new is come. Whatever last year was like for you, it pales in comparison to what He wants to do in and through you this year. But it does require something of you; you have to choose to make Jesus your true Lord. He must be the one you live for. And like Dave Ramsey says, live like no one else so you can live like no one else. Follow Jesus even it if seems crazy to you, let alone to family and friends.

He who is seated on the throne says "I am making everything new. Write this down for these words are trustworthy and true". Maybe you need to write down these words. Maybe you need to remember He has promised never to leave you or forsake you. Or maybe you need to remember that He wants good for your life, a future and a hope. God is doin a nu thang. Maybe in 2016 you just need to remember it.