In some ways, the New Year simply marks the passage of one day into the next. There is nonetheless, real significance in the turning of the calendar from one year to another.
The beginning of a New Year especially draws our attention to the unfolding journey that brings us from this world to the next, a journey through time until time no more. The believer, confident in God’s sovereign design, trusts that his or her times are secure: our times are in His Hand!
This month we want to take some time reflecting on our unfolding journey. We will meditate both on how we are to live before the LORD and on His provisions for us on the way. Together, we will be both challenged and encouraged to seek the Lord and His purposes. Our meditation D.V. will help us focus on the Lord’s promise and call in our lives. Be encouraged day by day to know that the LORD is our Helper. Keep your eye on that day when time shall be no more.
“Hours and days and years and ages swift as moving shadows flee;
“As we scan life’s fleeting pages, naught enduring do we see;
“On the paths our feet are wending, footprints all will be effaced;
“Present time to past is tending, though its page is not erased.”
– Psalter Hymnal 474 Stanza 1
May you experience a blessed New Year!
May God’s peace be your joy!
May God’s purposes be your desire!
January 1 – Teach us…
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
Scripture reading: Psalm 90:1-17
A blessed New Year to you!
Psalm 90 teaches us the frailty of man in the context of God’s eternality. It is a prayer offered by
Moses in which he asks our heavenly Father to have mercy on His children who live in this sin-cursed world. Life is short and apart from God’s blessing, that curse consumes. We see it in the world all around us.
Psalm 90 reminds us of the brevity of life. Seventy years soon fly by. But we may live each day given us, knowing that God’s promises are sure. His ear is open to the believer’s cry. The favor of our heavenly Father, His beauty, is upon His children. They can and must trust that He will satisfy us with His steadfast love (vs.14) and establish the work of our hands (vs.17).
May this new year find us often in prayer asking for the Lord’s nearness in all that we are called to be and do. Pray for a heart of wisdom so that we may redeem the time. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Seek His holy will.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray in earnest for a heart of wisdom. Pray for the grace to live according to God’s will.
Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment.
