Happy New Year

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“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Tonight, we say goodbye to 2023 and begin another year. As we look back over the last twelve months, we have a choice. We can remember all the terrible things that were in the news – the wars, mass killings, natural disasters and other trials. OR we can think of all the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon us and be thankful.

I am thankful for the health and strength that the Lord has given me. Many in my age group are suffering from serious illnesses, others have departed from this life. God has been good to me.

I am thankful for the way the Lord has been blessing in our church over the past year, for new families that have made it their church home, for young people and children who are giving their lives to the Lord and finding their place in His service.

I am thankful for the way the Lord provides my every need. As prices have risen sharply this past year, I still am able to buy the food and supplies that I need.

I am thankful for my family who support me so faithfully. I am thankful for their love and respect for me.

I do not know what the new year holds, but this I do know. The Lord that has brought me safe thus far will never leave me nor forsake me. I can rest upon the promises of His Word.

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

Psalm 23:1-4 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” 

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Take time today to think over the past year and praise the Lord for all that He has done for you. Even though you may have had some tough times, the Lord was using them to draw you closer to Himself.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for keeping us through another year, and giving us the strength that we need as we face the year ahead, trusting you to guide us all the way.

Devotion by Anne Johnston

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10 Comments

  1. Lazondral Nelson

    Thank you for serving the Lord with excellence. Happy New Year!

    • Anne Johnston Post Author

      Thank you for being a faithful reader. May the Lord bless you abundantly in the New Year.

  2. Katherine Zembal

    Happy New Year.
    I love your devotion’s, they have been such a blessing to me.
    So thankful for you.
    God bless you.

    • Anne Johnston Post Author

      Thank you Katherine, I am glad that they are a blessing to you. Have a blessed New Year.

  3. Fern Johnston

    Our remarks are also mine. God has been so good to me not only this past year but all my life. This was a wonderful way to remember the past but look into the future with confidence.

    • Anne Johnston Post Author

      Fern, He surely has blessed us both. I pray this next year is blessed as well.

    • Anne Johnston Post Author

      Happy New Year to you as well, May it be a blessed one

  5. Val

    Thanks for reminding me of some of our lord’s specific promises. I also enjoyed reading the blessings you are thankful for. I join you in those. (I think we’re in the same age bracket! )