New Year, Same God
“But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” Psalm 102:27
As I woke up on New Year’s Day, my whole street was covered in a dense fog, and as I made my coffee, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself and think “Isn’t this perfect weather for the start of a new year?’’ Of course it’d be better if it was sunny and warm, but the fact that I couldn’t see far in front of me reminded me of how often life is just the same.
We might have resolutions and hopes about the new year, but there’s so much ahead that we just can’t see. That could very easily send me into a panic if I think about it too long, but what I’ve been reminding myself is that while this is a brand new year with many unknowns, God hasn’t changed and He’s ready to walk with me and you through it all.
One of the verses that brings me the most comfort is Psalm 102:27. The psalm has a dedication at the beginning which reads: “A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord.” The Psalmist cries out to God in his distress, questioning, and worry, but then begins to remind his soul of the truth. He finds comfort in the fact that God is King, compassionate, and attentive. He knows God to be good, and reminds himself of the Father’s consistency.
I wonder if we can find peace by doing the same. My prayer is that the new year is full of joy, fun, adventure, and growth, but because we live on this side of heaven in a very broken world, there will be hard things that come each of our way. Yet even in the midst of trouble, we have an anchor for our souls!
We have a God who loves us and never changes. His great love for us began long before today and will carry us through this year and beyond. He is faithful, compassionate, quick to forgive, slow to anger, and cares deeply for each of us. He longs to walk with us and guide us through our decisions and experiences. He is able to use everything in our lives for our good and His glory. What a good God we serve, and what a sigh of relief we get to experience as we journey through this brand new year.