As with any New Year, in 2017, we are expecting many changes. With a new President set to take office on January 20th many are excited about the possibilities while others are quaking in their boots. There is always some apprehension in any new situation, be it a new job, moving to a new city, meeting new people….
As Christians, when we were saved we accepted God’s promise of a new life in Him. We were able to put off the old man (our former sinful selves) and were renewed in the spirit of our mind and put on the new man…. created in righteousness and true holiness. Eph. 4: 21-24
In Psalm 96:1 we are urged to, “Sing unto the Lord a new song. 96:3 Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.” 90:8 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name.”
If we do this and take one day at a time, we should be able to face this new year with optimism and hope, not dreading what lies ahead, but knowing that in Jesus all things are possible. Lamentations 3:23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning.
For many , 2016 must have seemed like an endless tunnel with no visible light at the end. So many loved ones were lost and the devil was working overtime to convince us that God had no place in our society or government. But due to much prayer and faithful believers who were willing to step up and vote, God intervened to give us the new leader we prayed for. Now we must continue to pray and not be shy in spreading the word that Jesus saves…. and only with Him in charge will our country ever be considered great again.
Let us not grow weary but with the shield of faith and the sword of His Word may we march boldly into this new year ready to wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers and rulers of darkness in high places. The whole armor of God, described in the last chapter of Ephesians will be needed to meet the challenges ahead of us in 2017.
In John 13:34 Jesus gave us a new commandment which was to “Love one another.” May we remember this and walk in the newness of life and serve in the newness of spirit. It is my prayer that all may hear the truth and turn to the one true God who is able to save our souls and promises the gift of eternal life though His Son, Jesus Christ. Let us make 2017 truly be the “year of our Lord.”