Entering a new year can make my head spin for a little bit. You? I find myself contemplating what the past year brought me (good and difficult) as well as what I hope the year ahead might look like. And that’s good to do. But how about using our New Year’s transition to fuel our worship?
In Psalm 92:1-2 we’re encouraged,
“It is good to give thanks to the LORD And to sing praises to Your name,
O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night.”
This verse is obviously speaking of the start and finish of a day, but I think that urging is quite fitting as we begin a new year and put another to bed as well. Here’s how that might look:
I’d encourage you to spend some time looking back at the year behind and writing out where God’s “faithfulness” was evident. I know this could be a long list, but don’t rush it. Ask God to open your eyes to His hand at work over the past year, and make a note of each thing He brings to mind. It might help to think of different areas of your life – personal, spiritual life, family, relationships, health, job, etc. Make sure that you don’t interpret that God was faithful only when things went as you hoped. But God’s faithfulness also carries us, protects us, teaches us, and guides us (and lots of other things) in the times of struggles or disappointments. Then spend time thanking God for those specific times of “faithfulness” and worshiping Him for who He was for you in those times.
Also spend time proclaiming His “lovingkindness” as you look into the year ahead. Think through each of the different areas of your life again, and write out prayers inviting God’s movement in each of them. Thank Him for how He promises to pour out His “lovingkindness” – or future “faithfulness” – and worship Him for who you know He will be in the year ahead. Again, don’t rush this. Seek God’s wisdom and insight for how He might want you to be praying and moving ahead in different areas. And worship Him for being who He says He is – past, present, and future!
“As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!”
(Psalm 40:11).
It’s my hope and prayer that each of us will begin this new year by recognizing God’s hand in our lives and continue it with thanksgiving, praise, and worship along the way.
Happy New Year, worshiping friend! Let’s passionately pursue our God together in the New Year!
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