At the beginning of each new year, hopes are high. It’s the January mix of thinking we can do what we set out to do – it’s tricky how a calendar page can be that powerful. But the real power is the hope we have with the beginning of a new day or in the darkest night because of the coming of Christ. True story.
Christmas came and went but Jesus went and will come back. It’s a given. Don’t let your hope get pushed into the closet with the nativity until sentiment and tradition brings it out again. It’s the hard season – the one where we often drag last year into the new one and fresh hope gets covered up with the baggage.
If we preach the gospel over ourselves, our countenance will change and God can lift our face. Look around, not everyone is joyful and jubilant in our broken world, broken churches and broken homes. It’s filled with the fainthearted and the weak, those who Christ came for. The tool that fixes brokenness is the word of God ~ see for yourself. The Psalms are healing, the Proverbs bring wisdom and one word or passage from the Old to the New can actually change the way we look at life.
If you’ve ever felt frail or stale in your faith (or your unfaithfulness) and desire to excel and flourish, Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is the one to open. It motivates us to holy living because of the hope within the pages. Yes, it’s filled with words like suffering, affliction, distress but also covered in faith, sanctification, gospel, encourage and abound.
So encourage one another and give each other strength, just as you are doing now. 5:11
God’s unchanging Word is the divine thing that can make the change (on any day of the year). We’re only a few days into 2023 and probably already realize we don’t have much design or control over – us. So many failed goals of gym membership, clean and green grocery lists, organizing life, and reading the Bible this year but bailing out in Leviticus. In one day, I missed physical therapy, ate pizza, couldn’t find anything in the closet and ran out before having devotions. . . . but I meant for it all to happen differently. Thankfully we have grace for this day, so may it be sufficient for you and for me.
Someone and everyone needs encouragement this day – if you are walking into this new place after failing miserably and find it hard to hope in a wilderness of circumstances, there is Bread and Water, it’s the golden thread that strings promises and miracles together to encourage our heart.
A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. Spurgeon.
May we begin a new day by praying for one another and for ourselves, Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely and may your spirit, soul and body be preserved complete and without blame at the coming of Christ. 1 Thess 5:23
Verna
Love this Verna! My favorite: “If we preach the gospel over ourselves, our countenance will change and God can lift our face.” It always amazes me when the Lord lifts my countenance and my face toward heaven each morning. What a hope and a treasure is the Good News of the Gospel on the pages of God’s Holy Word, no matter our circumstances. Seeking His Kingdom first and washing ourselves in His Word brings the change of heart necessary to face each day, knowing Our God is Sovereign over all, and the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Blessings on each day of the new year, as you continue to believe in the goodness of the Lord. No need ever to lose hope or heart, knowing He is Lord over all. Love you dear friend!