Another holiday season is behind us, another year has closed. Both Thanksgiving and Christmas were uneventful in our home. Our usually large gatherings were small, everyone running in their own directions. My birthday was just another day. We had cake, coffee and gifts, but no going out to dinner, no special plans. New Years Eve – I was in bed, reading, by 11:30. I spent the first Saturday of the year cleaning my house and the first Sunday in bed battling a migraine. I awoke this morning, the first Monday, to single digit temperatures, wind and blowing snow, the sky gray.
“This year’s off to a great start,” I muttered to myself as I trudged through the kitchen to the coffee pot. The smell of brewing coffee helped. The blue jay sitting quietly on the branch outside the kitchen window added a little color to the dreary landscape. “Maybe it isn’t too bad,” I thought, sipping my coffee and admiring the lovely bird. “A new year means new beginnings and new possibilities.” I grabbed my Bible and spent some time pondering God’s Word.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
“Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” Isaiah 33:2
God’s love and compassion, mercy and strength, are new every morning…
What great reminders! The end of a year always drives me to calculate my failures – the words not written, the efforts not made, attempts that were unsuccessful. I give myself a mental dressing down for not doing better, for not trying harder. I work myself into a state of self-loathing and distress and tell myself that I’ll do better this year. Despite what I accomplish, there’s always something I missed.
God’s Word reminded me this morning that no matter what I have or have not done, His love, compassion and strength are new every morning. Not if I only get it right or I try a little harder or beat myself up a little more – EVERY morning. It’s also a reminder that if I blow it today, I can surrender it to God, and He will strengthen me, help me to get it right. “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8
We don’t have to wait for another year to end to make changes in our lives. Neither do we have to struggle to be perfect, accomplishing every goal. We aren’t meant to strive on our own. God is here right now, in this moment to pour His love over us and strengthen us for His purpose. We need only trust Him, let Him direct our paths, and, if necessary, be willing to start anew.
