The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24
Well, here we are at the beginning of a new year; another challenging year has passed. We have all experienced many ups and downs, tragedies and triumphs over the last 365 days. Even though our designated Year of Praise to the Lord for 2021 has officially ended, continue to praise him in all things.
How do you perceive New Year's every year? Do you see it as a chance to start over? A time of reflection and decisions to make changes? Rather than looking at a new year harshly as an opportunity to start over or make promises we fail to keep, look at what the Bible says about renewal. Renewal is a gentle way to welcome the new year. The Lord reminds us of renewal with his seasonal changes from winter, spring, summer, and fall; renewal with each blooming flower; renewal with each sunrise and sunset. So why not consider the beginning of a new year as renewal?
Taking the scripture from Lamentations, the Lord's love never ceases, and his mercies never end. His love and mercy are new every morning, and He is faithful. This verse is a gentle reminder of renewal for the beginning of the new year, a gentle reminder for renewal every day of the year.
Last year our Promise Helpers' newsletters were proclaimed as The Year of Praise for Our Lord, giving him glory in all things. As this year of 2022 rolls in, we do not know what lies ahead, but our Heavenly Father does. With the Lord's all-knowing, we have hope and we do not have to live in fear. Therefore, as Lamentations says, "The Lord is my portion, therefore I hope in Him", we have a choice to trust Him in all things. So, for 2022 we proclaim our complete Trust in Him because HE IS FAITHFUL. Will you join us in this journey of complete Trust in Him through 2022?
Trusting in him requires more than just saying, "I trust in Him". We must put our faith into action, we must continually renew our minds every day. His Word is spiritual food for our spirits. The more we take in, the more we will grow. Are you getting enough of his Word to sustain your spiritual walk? I challenge you to memorize his Word and meditate upon it every day this year. Encourage those around you with thoughts of the Lord. Just as we should exercise physically to maintain a healthy body, we must exercise our spiritual life and walk with the Lord.
No matter what circumstances are thrown at us in 2022, we can have total peace and live a blessing-filled life when we fully trust him. Are you up for the challenge? 2022 can be the start of the best years of your life. Make the decision to commit to Trust in Him. Renew your mind daily, memorize and meditate on His Word. His blessings will pour over you, pressed down and running over. He will cause people and circumstances to change your life.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and He will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3
We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus Christ, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
2 Corinthians 4:14-16
To God be the Glory!