God’s word is a good way for close out and open the New Year.
The new year, for many people, is a time to recommit themselves to long or short standing goals. Whether you have New Year’s resolutions or not, it is a great time to dive deep into God’s Word. Some people pick a reading plan. Others find themes they want to explore. No matter what approach, the Bible is full of verses and promises that can be really set the tone for the New Year.
Lamentations 3:22-24 - The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
It is good to be reminded that God is eternally merciful and renews His love for us repeatedly. He is our portion for our daily needs and carrying that hope into the new year will provide strength and courage to face trials. This reminder brings comfort in times of need. What hope there is in God.
God is faithful and trustworthy and when we go to the scriptures, we can see it many times. God is faithful and is for sure seen in the promises He made to Abraham and then to Moses and the Israelites. Then of course the biggest promise was the one of the Messiah and as we just celebrated the birth of Jesus, we know that God’s promises are true and full of hope.
We can put our trust in the Lord and when reading through the Bible we are strengthened and encouraged by this many times over. In the New Testament Paul says so many times that He is sending brothers and sisters in Christ to strengthen and encourage the believers. We can also be encouraged by those who are around us and then also by reading the Word of God. We see through the history in the Bible how trustworthy God is.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
When we try to lean on our own understanding, we can become discouraged and uncertain in what we should do. But we to learn how to humble ourselves in Christ.
Often, getting stronger requires humility. This year, trust in God’s strength rather than your own. Follow the Lord’s path. Acknowledge God’s sovereignty this year and find spiritual renewal and purpose.