I answered the phone and the friendly, familiar voice on the other end said, “Cos, happy New Year.” I responded in kind and a few minutes later returned to what I was doing.
I began the first day of 2022 as I have begun almost every day for many years; writing in my journal, scripture, and prayer. As I meditated on the significance of the New Year, I became aware of a deep, comforting reality about my life. To me, there’s no such thing as New Year Magic. But I do deeply believe in the providential care of God in every detail of my life. Here are some thoughts about the New Year and that reality from that journal entry.
“New Year. Nothing unusual about the morning except the date. The “usual” is that God has mercifully given me another day. The usual is that God’s presence and faithfulness continue to guide me. The usual is that God loves me and has a plan for my life. Nothing important has really changed. The date on the calendar has changed, marking the beginning of a New Year. There’s nothing magical about that.
Like every day and year that have faded into the past, 2022 is a mystery to be lived out. What personal and world events will affect me and those I love? Will 2022 bring tragedy and sorrow, breakthrough and celebration? Who knows? Perhaps there will be some of both.
One thing remains constant in the coming and going of my days and years. God is faithful. God is good. God loves me. In all the change about me, in all the challenges the New Year can bring, the unchangeable, loving Creator-God is with me.”
Let me ask you to think deeply about one of my favorite scriptural promises as you attempt to faithfully live out each day of the new year.
“ I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39.
Keep the faith. God loves you and has a plan for you today and every day of the New Year. God bless you and all those you hold dear.