The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

I touched on these verses in last Sunday’s sermon, but they are a great word of encouragement for today, being New Year’s Day. Because of God’s great faithfulness to grant us loving mercy every day, let us rejoice that it is especially true every New Year’s Day!

I am neither encouraging or discouraging new years’ resolutions. I am simply pointing out that the new year is a great time to ask the Lord, “What do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6 NKJV), or stop doing, as the case may be. The new year is a fresh start to start doing what we have neglected to do, and to stop doing what we shouldn’t be doing.

Ask the Lord to lead you and to empower you to identify at least one thing to start, and one thing to stop. And do not think you can do these things in the strength of the flesh. No! It is only possible by the mercies of God!

As an important footnote to these key verses in Lamentations, be reminded that Jeremiah penned these word when Jerusalem was in smoldering ruins after being routed by the Babylonians. I bring this point up to encourage us all not to allow troubles to keep us from embarking on a fresh start for 2025.