A New Year

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) God blesses us with new life when we become a Christian (2 Cor. 5:17). In baptism, we die to ourselves and are raised to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4). The blessing of newness is one we all cherish. We celebrate a new baby, a new job, a new milestone, and a new year. In Lamentations, we are told to cherish each new day by celebrating the goodness of God and the many ways he blesses us. Each day is a gift.

What will you do with a new year?

Every new year should begin with a sense of gratitude. There is much to lament in the world. It is easy to find something to complain about, and that is exactly what we will find if that is what we are looking for. However, we should avoid the rut of always focusing on what is wrong, and pause to realize we are greatly blessed. We take many of our blessings for granted. There may be problems in Washington, NYC, or Austin, but we don’t live there. We live in Fayette County, and what a blessing it is to be surrounded by good people who love and care for one another. We live amid magnificent oaks and beautiful sunsets. We may not have everything, but we have what we need. What a blessing it is to learn to be content and appreciate the things we do have. Our televisions and phones try to get us to look elsewhere, but it is good for the soul to turn off our devices, pause, and look around. We are more blessed than we realize. Be grateful.

Begintheyearknowingyou are needed, and you can make a difference. Fayette County is a wonderful place because it is a community. We take care of our own. We help those who are in need. This is possible because of people like you and me. It’s amazing to think of all the volunteers who are laboring in this county each week. There are people volunteering at AMEN, Second Chance, Meals on Wheels, etc. Service organizations like the Lions Club and Rotary may be dwindling in other areas, but they are going strong here. This mentality extends beyond service organizations. We are a people who still know our neighbors and help one another. Keep this up. Find a place to volunteer. Check on your neighbor and invite them over for a cup of coffee.

Begin the year with God. One of the best things you can do this year is focus on your spiritual health. Find a church home if you don’t have one. Become active in that community. Spend time in God’s word. Get serious about living out the ways of Jesus. Obey God’s commands and pay attention to how God is using you and working in your life.

2026 can be great. Be grateful. Serve wherever you can. Make God a priority.