Luke 5:27-39; Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Psalm 1

“And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” (Genesis 1:4-5 NKJV)

And so it began. God spoke into the darkness, the chaos of the pre-created world and began the creation with light. His word brought forth light and the division of night and day. The first year of all creation began with the word of God. As I write this, news agencies around the world are broadcasting fireworks in various cities that have been set off to proclaim the new year. The world celebrates the new year because it brings the hope of change: a blank slate that forgets the problems of the past and promises a new beginning, free from troubles. And so it is, for a very short while. Man’s sinfulness changes that perfection quickly. For the Christian, the new year should remind us of when we walked in darkness until we received the grace of Christ and started living in His light. No, we aren’t perfect, but when we turn towards the dark, God’s light brings us back to Him, and it is good.

It’s a good idea to reflect on each day as we come to the end of the day. Tonight would be a good time to reflect on the year in full. Think of three things you could have done differently in 2018. What could you have done in those situations that would have made things work better for you and those around you? More importantly, think of three things you did well. What successes did you have that make you smile about this last year? So often we focus on what we did wrong that we forget to think about what we did right. So, look at what you did that was good and carry that into the new year. At the same time, make plans to walk in God’s love each day this next year. And if you haven’t learned how to do that, please feel free to message me so we can talk.

Lord, You created a new me by Your love and grace. Remind me of how You have sustained me in the past so that when I face troubles in the future, I’ll have faith. Teach me to walk in Your ways as I head into the new year You’ve prepared me for.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.