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. Click To Tweet
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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Amen! Every day God sees fit to give us is a gift and a blessing Ms. Jeannie. Question is; do we always remember to say “Thank You Lord” for whatever the day brings? Whatever comes, He has a hand in it. Great post!
Thanks so much for commenting, J. D. and for reminding us to thank God for the abundant gifts He provides, including new mercies each day.
I love this perspective, Jeannie. Thank you for reminding me that despite uncertainty, I can face the new year with hope and faith. As someone who can easily slide into pessimism and fear, I need the encouragement to receive each day as a gift to be welcomed. New Years’ blessings to you, my friend!
I need this encouragement, too, Lori. I’m thankful you found the post helpful. May we all “receive each day as a gift to be welcomed.” Thank you for adding your thoughts.
What a wonderful Scripture to meditate on as we begin the new year. thank you for your encouraging post, Jeannie, and may you have a joyful new year!
I hope your new year is joyful, also, Kathy. I’m glad you found the post encouraging. One verse can change our perspective and fill us with hope and joy, can’t it?
Love this devotion. God’s mercies are indeed new every morning. Thank you for using one of my favorite Scriptures! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Evelyn, I’m glad the post resonated with you. This verse is a beautiful promise from God to take into another year, isn’t it? Have a joy-filled new year! Thanks so much for commenting.
My Life Verse is Jeremiah 29:11. Every day, I am reminded, if the day is difficult, it’s a moment, not the plan.
Molly Jo, I’m thankful you shared your thoughts. “Every day, I am reminded, if the day is difficult, it’s a moment, not the plan.” What a thought-provoking way to look at difficult times in light of Scripture, especially your life verse which is a favorite of mine. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate that.
His mercies are new every morning, indeed. Thanks for this positive message as we start a new year. I have to admit, I’m a bit leery of it.
I think we’re all (me included) a bit leery of the next year and what it might bring, but we know the One who makes each morning. I agree the message from God’s Word is positive and will help us focus on Him each day. Thanks so much for commenting, Candyce. It means a lot.
Jesus makes all things new. Every day all year long. Such good thoughts to start the New Year with. Thanks you Jeannie.
Yes, He does. His faithfulness is cause for praise. May He bless you and your family richly this year, Terri. Thank you the commenting.
Jeannie, this is awesome! What a great way to start another year by seeing God’s mercies and blessings every day.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Barbara. I pray we’ll all notice God’s blessings and enjoy each day with Him. I appreciate your comments.
Every day is a gift and we choose what we are going to do with it. Thank you for this inspiring and uplifting message, Jeannie. Wishing you a healthy and happy 2022 and continued blessings in your ministry of service to our Lord.
Katherine, I’m glad you reminded us we have a daily choice about how to use God’s blessings of new days. I’m glad His promises inspired you as they did me. Thanks for reading and sharing.
Jeannie, I read this the other day and have been pondering it ever since. Thank you!
Annie, I’m glad God used the post to help you ponder His truths. I was encouraged by the message He showed me in His Word. Thank you.
The verse that gets me started every morning is: “I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love.” Psalm 59:16 NLT
Joyce, thank you for sharing this verse. What a great way to start the day! God’s love gives us cause to shout with joy. I appreciate your comment.