Familiarity is the quality of being well known; recognizability based on long or close association; close acquaintance with or knowledge of something. Does any of these give you that warm vague yes? That yes is the deeply ingrained feeling of Déja Vue, and our brain showing us where we stand with familiarity. You know the “I’ve been here before” experience—are all stored in our brain’s perirhinal cortex. The perirhinal cortex is the area of the brain where the old seems new again.
Fran Pedron the executive contributor of Brainz Magazine cites, “Many times, we fall into the grind, the discomfort, the self-abuse that sickens our quality of life, or the mediocrity that messes with our joy, abundance and stops us from living the life we always dreamed we would live. We just go through the motions or tread water, always remaining stagnant, feeling safe and secure in our domain of unhappiness, depression, low energy, and displeasure, while the life we desire passes right on by—leaving us where we choose to stay.”
Jeremiah Johnson founder of Altar Global cites, “God is calling His people into territory they have never walked before, and the familiar will not take them where they are going.” We have overtime become so comfortable with the familiar that we no longer wish to be part of the change.
Let me point out to you an incident from the Bible the story of a blind man called Bartimaeus who was begging on the roadside of Jericho. The Gospel writer, Mark in the Bible, states that Jesus came to Jericho. As He was leaving Jericho with His disciples, a large crowd was pressing on Him. Among the crowd was the blind Bartimaeus begging from the roadside. He cried out in a loud desperate voice, "Rabbi (which means master), I want to regain my sight!" (Mark 10:51 Bible). This phrase is generally interpreted to mean he lost his sight after birth, rather than being born with the condition. And now, his physical disability had forced him to beg for his survival.
It was a large crowd but the way the writer puts it is dramatic. It states, ‘Jesus stopped and said, “Call him”’. And then Jesus asked a question, “what you want me to do for you?” I used to wonder why he had to ask this question knowing Bartimaeus’ physical condition. But probably to check if he really wants to be healed or if he is looking for some good alms. Probably Bartimaeus got so used to begging Jesus, wanted to check his real yearning. Immediately Bartimaeus exclaimed “I want to see”. And the story ends by stating that in one sentence Jesus totally transformed the condition of the blind beggar. Now, he could see. The Bible refers that Bartimaeus began to follow Jesus on the road (Mark 10:52 Bible).
Maybe you could relate your condition to this blind Bartimaeus. You are constantly dependent on external circumstances and you feel hopeless. If this is you, then you need to allow God to meet you in your point of desperation, in the point of your familiarity. Be assured your faith in Christ will change your entire situation. You don’t need to be a helpless prisoner of your condition. Jesus promised an abundant life, which is rich and fulfilling. What you know about your past hereafter will simply be a point of reference. God is releasing “new coordinates,” “new blueprints” and “new plans and purposes” for those ready to step forward. It is not about movement but transformation. May God bless you as you step into this New Year 2026 learning to know more about Jesus Christ and putting your trust in Him.
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