A new year is upon us. Halloween, hunting, and the holidays have passed. Winter has settled in. But the days are getting longer, and it’s time to think about what this new year might bring. We like new things, and we all need a fresh start sometimes.
The Bible speaks of God as the Initiator of new things. Through His cross, Jesus made a “new covenant,” that all who trust in Him will be saved (Hebrews 9:15). Coming to Jesus by faith means you can have “newness of life” (Romans 6:4), and you become a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17a). You can have a fresh start in Christ, as “the old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17b). While we are discouraged by all the evil in this world, one day God will make a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).
Now, what about this new year? What will it hold in store for you? How about a “new song”? Reflecting on God rescuing His life “from the pit of destruction,” drawing him up “out of the miry bog,” and setting his “feet upon a rock,” David cannot help but sing (Psalm 40:2). God lifted David out of the pit, so David lifted his voice in praise. He says God “put a new song in my mouth—a song of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:3a).
I hope God puts a new song in us this year, as we dwell on the great salvation He has given us. It may not be a brand new song no one’s ever heard before. It may well be “Amazing Grace,” but we sing it this year with a new appreciation. Sing for joy! “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
