Another Year is Dawning!
By George Stroh
January 3, 2011
"This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never ceases for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness!" (Lamentations 3:21-23)
We are entering another new year... Another year that is likely to bring both joy and sorrow, success and failure, progress and setbacks, wonderful surprises and bitter disappointments. Regardless of what may happen, as Christians, we are blessed to enter each new year secure in the sure and everlasting promises of God; "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never ceases for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness!"
In His marvelous grace, the Lord is faithful, even when we are not. He loves us even when we are not that lovable. Our heavenly Father always forgives us even when we sin and fail to fully trust and obey Him. He hears our seemingly impossible prayers... For nothing is impossible for Him. Whatever awaits us this next year, we are secure in His lovingkindnesses and His everlasting compassions; "... for He Himself said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5b)
This past Lord's Day, our Church sang an old hymn entitled "Another Year is Dawning" with lyrics written by Frances Havergal in 1874.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.
"On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee"... This is one New Year's resolution I pray we will all make and keep every year. Maranatha!
