A New Year, A New You
By Debra DuPree Williams @DDuPreeWilliams
It’s hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone. Three of our kids left for home on the twenty-seventh, the fourth left on the twenty-eighth. It’s been a long time since we’ve had all our kids and grands here for Christmas. 2015 was the last year for all of them to be at our home. They have no idea what a gift their presence is to their Dad and me.
As I write this, it is our youngest son’s birthday and the new year is two days away. As I look at our sons, daughter-in-love, and our granddaughters, I wonder what the new year will bring for all of them. We discussed plans during their visit and I can tell you that a lot of change is ahead for each of them. But isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?
Making Resolutions
A new year demands new things. We make resolutions hoping to become a new person, whether that is by losing a few pounds to become healthier, or whether it is a renewal of our minds and spirits, a new, closer relationship with our Creator.
I looked to The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Interesting that the word new occurs in its title. Certainly not because God’s word changed. The Bible tells us that He is the same today, yesterday, and forever. So, what changed? What was new? Did newer translations create the need for added citations? I honestly don’t know. I only know that God remains the same forever. It is mankind who changes.
I was surprised to see how many times new song was mentioned in the Old Testament. According to Strong’s, there are seven verses which refer to a new song. Most are in the book of Psalms, but Isaiah also mentions a new song. The book of Revelations mentions new song twice, according to Strong’s.
All Things New
There are mentions of many new things in both the Old and New Testaments—new moons, new wine, new wineskins, new heart, new spirit, new covenant, new name, new testament, new creature, new man, new Jerusalem. The last mention of new occurs in the book of The Revelation to John—Rev. 21:5, And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And he said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
As you ponder the new year which will be here by the time you read these words, think about what kind of new you you wish to be in the new year. Do you wish to throw off the old you for a new one? Perhaps a new creature or new man speaks to you. Maybe a new heart with a new song.
Sing a New Song
Are you tired of the way things have been? Do you feel the need for a new, better life? Whatever it is you seek in the new year, I pray you will turn to Him who tells us in the Bible that He is making all things new. Seek His will for your life. I love Jeremiah 29:11. I urge you to read that. My prayer is that you find the new you and that you find joy in singing a new song with each new day in which He tells us his mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23).
Happy New Year!
What are you seeking in the new year? Join the conversation.
No Comments