When we exchange the sweaters that don’t fit and donate duplicate items we received for Christmas, we still have more gifts to open. Yes, after the fireworks fizzle, we will awaken to God’s gift of a new year, a set of 365 days (Lord willing).
Like a holiday jigsaw puzzle, the days will fit together nicely with the last piece inserted next New Year’s Eve. How shall we begin our conversation about the new year? (If you don’t mind, let’s postpone a discussion of New Year’s resolutions like losing weight and exercising, although they’re worthy goals.)
Let’s begin with thoughts of new beginnings.
- If you’re a planner, new goals and a refreshed schedule will energize you.
- If you love cooking, a new winter soup recipe will excite you.
- If you enjoy Bible study, the first few pages of a new book will encourage you.
Although the new year arrives wrapped with shiny anticipation of these and other opportunities and joys, our challenges won’t disappear when we purchase a new paper calendar or download a digital one. Some of the old dilemmas linger, and additional ones emerge.
Concerns about our family, health, jobs, finances, relationships, and a world teeming with problems can urge us to pull the cover over our heads instead of greeting each day with a smile.
Let’s unwrap a verse that encourages us to put on our slippers and dance into each new day—at least in our hearts.
The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, for His compassions do not fail.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
These verses and others assure us that the lovingkindness of God is unhindered, unfailing, and unending. We face trials and suffer for sinful choices requiring repentance, but His mercies continue to beam from heaven with each sunrise.
God’s mercies are new on January first, July fourth, and next New Year’s Eve. Every year His blessings are new for each of 365 days.
God's mercies are new on January first, July fourth, and next New Year’s Eve. Every year His blessings are new for each of 365 days. Share on X
The Bible doesn’t promise easy days filled with our favorite things. In fact, every day that ends in “y” holds challenges and temptations. But if we meditate on the verses above, our hearts can sing out in praise to our heavenly Father, “Great is Your faithfulness.”
As we replace last year’s calendar with a new one—despite the challenges—we can embrace the new year with joy. For in it reside 365 gifts—days filled with the adventure of walking with Jesus, learning more about Him, and sharing His love with others.
Among His new morning mercies are the gifts of joy, hope, love, and wisdom, as well as conviction, correction, and lessons we need to learn. God is a good Father who knows what we need and leads us to obey Scripture’s commands for His glory and our good.
Are you asking God to give you specific gifts this year? Perhaps we’ll request a deeper knowledge of Him, more commitment to pray for others, and new opportunities to serve others and share the good news of salvation in Christ.
If you haven’t accepted God’s greatest gift, salvation in Christ, surrender to His Lordship today and begin the new year marveling at His mercies.
I’m praying you’ll enjoy this new year of adventure with God as we open His gifts and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity” (2 Peter 3:18 NASB).
Please share with all of us: What verse or truth about God makes you eager to open the next gift of a new day? Which of His gifts are you most thankful for?
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