The new year, for many people, is a time to commit themselves to starting new goals or recommitting to past ones that were set. Whether you have resolutions for the New Year or not, it is a great time to get 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.
Mark 12:30-31 - “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength...you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’”
Some of the best sources of hope and strength are the words of Jesus Christ himself from the Gospels. This verse reminds us of what Christians are called to, which is to love the Lord and to love others. Refocusing on what God wants from us can help put the New Year in focus and help us re-evaluate our priorities.
To show love to others is in the Bible so many times. In fact, it is one of the most important verses in the Bible. The scriptures tell us that when we love others then we are showing and demonstrating the love of God.
In this world we really need to show that kind of love to others. As we do that, we can come against a lot and making sure we see God’s perspective can really help us determine things a little clearer. One way we can guard our hearts in this world is to make sure we are putting on God’s armor as it says in Ephesians 6. That armor protects us from the things of this world and the spiritual world as well. It also helps us to stand firm and show the love of Jesus to others.
Ephesians 6:12-13 - “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
What a better verse for strength in the New Year than the one that calls us to take up the armor of God for victory in our spiritual battles? Every day is a chance for new triumphs over us, over Satan, and for Christ. Our leader and Savior have won the great victory, and if we lean on Him, we shall have victory as well.
Every day is a gift from the Lord, and His Word is one of our greatest tools for approaching the day with strength and victory. Turn to the Lord in all things, and He will carry you through the New Year.