New Years Day Devotion
Scripture Reading
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23
Morning Meditation
New Year’s Day dawns not merely as a calendar reset, but as a living testimony that God is a God of new beginnings. The year behind us is sealed. The year before us stands open—untouched by human failure, but already governed by divine sovereignty.
The Puritans treasured mornings as sermons preached by Providence. Another sunrise meant another extension of grace, another opportunity for holiness, another call to walk more closely with God. The same Lord who carried us through yesterday now greets us with fresh mercy today.
Personal Reflection
The world rushes into the new year with promises of self-improvement—stronger bodies, better finances, renewed discipline. But the gospel calls me first to something deeper: renewed devotion.
If I enter this year unchanged in heart, then all outward change will be hollow. True change is not willpower refined—it is Christ reigning more fully. John Owen reminds me that real spiritual growth is not the absence of struggle, but the increasing hatred of sin and love for holiness.
This morning I must ask myself:
What old pattern must finally die?
What neglected grace must I now cultivate?
What fear must I surrender into God’s hands?
Contemplation
Quietly consider these gospel anchors for the year ahead:
1. God’s Mercy Is New Before My Strength Is
I begin this year not with confidence in myself, but with confidence in God’s faithfulness. My supply is not my resolve—it is His mercy.
2. God’s Will Is Better Than My Plans
James warns me against boasting in tomorrow. This year is already written in God’s book before I write one word in my planner.
3. God’s Goal Is My Holiness
Comfort may come and go. Success may rise and fall. But God’s holy purpose never changes—to shape me into the image of His Son.
Thomas Watson once said, “The seasons of affliction and the seasons of prosperity are both sent to ripen the soul for glory.” Whatever waits ahead this year will not be wasted in God’s hands.
Prayer
Faithful God,
You have carried me through seasons I could not have survived without You. And now You have brought me to the first day of a new year. I receive this day as a gift—not to spend on myself, but to steward for Your glory.
Lord Jesus, I yield this year to You entirely. I give You my plans, my fears, my hopes, and my unknowns. Let Your cross stand at the center of every decision and Your resurrection shape my courage.
Holy Spirit, make this year a year of deeper repentance, brighter faith, stronger obedience, and sweeter communion with Christ. Where I am weak, be my strength. Where I am blind, be my light.
In Jesus’ victorious name,
Amen.
A New Year’s Day Commitment
Let today not be ruled by pressure—but by promise.
Christ goes before me into this year.
Resolution may fail.
Circumstances may change.
Strength may weaken.
But grace will not.
Step forward—not with fear, but with faith.
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