The new year is upon us and we find ourselves starting another rotation around the sun. How do you greet the new year? Are you cautiously optimistic that life will be better than it was last year? Maybe you are full of dread that things will only get worse as it seems like the world is falling apart around us. Frequently, we have trouble looking past the trials and tribulations to see the good God has done. We experience heartache every year with the loss of loved ones, loss of a job or a diagnosis that does not bring good news. How do we get up and go on in light of these things?

The future is full of promise and new beginnings. We are given a fresh start every year and we receive a brand-new start every morning. We can strive to wake up and meet each day with the confidence of knowing God walks beside us. Every day may not be a bed of roses, but we can revel in the knowledge He is with us no matter the circumstances.  We know this because of the words we read in Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are  new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

We still have 358 days left in 2023. When 2023 is ended, God will give us 365 new days. God is a God of new beginnings and He will pick you up time after time and carry you in His compassionate arms.  God loves us unconditionally, showing this through the birth of his Son, Jesus Christ and giving us everlasting salvation. God gave us another new beginning so relish this and remind yourself, even though it is a new year, God remains the same, yesterday, today and forever.  This we can count on. Thanks be to God!

Patty