“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness” (Psalms 65:11)

As one year draws to a close, another year dawns. With it comes the prospect of newness and the hope for a better year ahead. Just as Spring ushers in revitalized life in contrast to the coldness of Winter, so the start of a new year fills us all with an awakened sense of being, and a renewed sense of purpose. We reflect on the past year and fix our minds with a determination to overcome our shortfalls and succeed in the year ahead.

While the prospect of the New Year is one we often anticipate as a chance to “start fresh,” we should not be so quick to overlook the past year of our spiritual life. As we stand at the door of a New Year, let’s consider the trials we have faced and take note of the victories the Lord has given us as we’ve stood strong in the faith; as we’ve stood “… strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

We’ve all had losses. My family felt heartache during the past year as my father passed away. Each family event since then (anniversary, Thanksgiving, birthday, Christmas) has been a first without him. But even in discomfort, the Lord has been our Comforter (John 14:26). His grace has been sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). He has dried all our tears (Revelation 21:4). With the Lord Jesus Christ, we’ve been victorious; we’ve been “…more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Regardless of your difficulty, the Lord is strong and He gives us the victory. He crowns the year with His goodness.

Let us all review the past year of God’s goodness and give Him thanks. Let us praise Him for upholding us with His goodness, and trust in His goodness for the year ahead.