Encouraging Words For The New Year
As this year is wrapping up, I think it’s important to reflect over our year.
Was this year a good year for you?
Or did it bring its own kind of crazy into your life?
I think if we’re honest, maybe a little of both.
As I look back over the world events in the past year it’s safe to say that most us were caught off guard and felt sucker punched.
We witnessed tragedy upon tragedy this year. I believe a true statement regarding this year is, “Dear this year, you pretty much wore most of us out.”
There is one thing I’ve kept in the forefront of my mind and heart during this past year and that is that none of this craziness in the world came as a surprise to God the Father.
Nope.
Mass shootings, fires, hurricanes, floods, the refugee crisis, the racial divisions…none of it shook God off His game.
He is still on the Throne.
Do you want to hear even better news?
The craziness in our own little worlds didn’t come as a surprise to Him either.
Every moment of every day, He was there.
The moments that we were knee deep in sin, the moments where we thought you’d not survive another loss, all those moments. Not one lost on God.
We were never left alone, not for one moment. Jesus isn’t afraid of our crazy. Even if it’s self-inflicted. I don’t know about you, but that is some good news.
In Lamentations 3:22-23 we read more good news…” Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
As we enter the new year, we can be assured that His mercies will be new in that year as well.
Not reused, repurposed, or recycled – but brand new. His love is that good for us and to us.
Be encouraged friend. No matter what the new year brings – good times, bad times…it doesn’t matter.
We can trust the one who is faithful. In that same faithful way that God commands the sun to keep rising and the stars to keep shining…He will remain faithful to us and to His promise.
Press pause and take a few moments this holiday season to reflect and praise God.
We have much to celebrate. We celebrate the grace bestowed upon each one of us. Grace that makes our worst days survivable. Grace calls us to a better story, one of new mercies.
What are you thankful for? What are you happy to see go? What are you happy to see come?
Prayer for the New Year
Lord, you have kept me safe and sound and have allowed me to see another new year. Thank you for your love and all the plans you have for me in this new season.
I look forward to the amazing things you will do in and through me in the new year.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for New Year Celebrations
Lord, thank you for another year full of your blessings and hope for a better future. As I celebrate the new year, I will remember that I am alive because you have willed me to be.
Show me your great plans for my life and how to fulfill them.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
