THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Lord, we’re starting over—again. A year ago, you gave us a fresh start to a new year. What happened? I blinked, and the year was gone.

As a nation, we had ups—and oh, my—did we have downs. As a family, you seasoned our ups and downs with your grace. With hope, we endured the hardest of time. And with thankfulness, rejoiced in your goodness in the best of times.

We ushered in this new year with fireworks, food, and lotsa football to satisfy the most fanatical fans. Did people in biblical times celebrate the new year? Certainly. Did they reflect on their errors during the previous year? I hope so.

Our human nature is the same as the psalmist. Given a new beginning, we want to bury the blunders of the past year, but hopefully learn from the mistakes. In faith, Lord, we believe in the coming year, you have better blessings awaiting your people.

As a nation, maybe we should echo the psalmist’s prayer for 2024. As a Christ follower, perhaps I should echo the same prayer for me and my family. He pleaded with you, Lord, to move with mercy upon your people as they repented of their sinful ways and returned to you.

“Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people” (Psalm 85:6–8 NLT).

Lord, this year may we hear your voice clearly so we may live in submission to the leading of your Spirit. We pray our obedience pleases you, Jesus, our Savior.

Amen.