New Year, Same God
As we enter into a new year, I rejoice. First of all, He allowed me entrance into 2023. He breathed air into my lungs, opened my eyes, and gave movement to my body. I take nothing for granted.
Second, as I reflect back on 2022, I recall some great, fun, and exciting memories. I also remember the difficult situations... trials, health challenges, and relationship struggles.
But then I realized that the same God whom I serve brought me through them all. In fact, if I look over my life and all the years gone by, the years may differ, but my God, El Elyon, The Most High God, remains the same! This year as we face new trials, challenges, and situations, remember:
New afflictions… same God who will get us through
New physical health issues… same God who provides healing
New emotional struggles… same God who knows how we feel
New mental struggles… same God who transforms our minds
New marital struggles… same God who brings unity
New relationship struggles… same God who mends and bridges brokenness
New financial problems… same God who provides for our every need
New enemies… same God who protects us
New forgiveness… same God who faithfully wipes our sin debt when we confess
New mercies… same God who doesn’t give us what we truly deserve
New grace… same God who lovely gives us what we don’t deserve
New love… same God who gives us Him, for He is love
New life… same God who gave His Son Jesus Christ to give us new life, new hope, new joy!
Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.”
So, whatever challenges hit us this year, like Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:20-23, we can declare, “Surely my soul remembers, And is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind; Therefore, I have hope. The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.”
I don’t know about you, but I look forward to moving into the new year. Whatever He allowed in 2022, He covered me and I trust Him to do the same in 2023. The God of last year remains the same God of this year, so I can confidently rest in His faithfulness.
