Daily Devotional: The Lord’s Mercies Are New Every Year!

“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).”

Happy New Year! I hope 2023 brings you joy, progress, and a closer walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I was sitting in church today listening to the pastor speak, I was reminded of this heartfelt verse from the book of Lamentations. Jeremiah is writing during a time of grief and national mourning. Unfortunately, the great city of Jerusalem had recently been captured by the Babylonian empire around 586 BC.

In Lamentations, there are these “laments” or “woes” coming from Jeremiah due to the sins of Judah and the rebellion within the Israelite community. Regardless, the great prophet knows that God’s mercies are new every morning. Despite God’s people getting sidetracked by sin and worldliness, there is this deep-seated conviction that restoration and hope are on the horizon.

Same is true when the new year comes along. As we watch the ball drop in New York, hang out with family and friends, enjoy the fireworks and festivities, or fall asleep before the clock strikes 12, there is this important theme that resonates with humanity: a new year means a new opportunity.

God is always eager to give us a new day. He counts the seasons, days, weeks, and years of our lives. He knows every single star in the sky and grain of sand by name. Furthermore, the Bible tells us that God is slow to anger (Nahum 1:3), not willing that anyone perish, but all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This is why he continues to extend each new year, waiting patiently for as many people as possible to turn from sin and be restored.

As we all reflect on the new year, 2023, let us be reminded of God’s faithfulness and love–may that ignite our hearts to share to the world how God’s mercies never come to an end.

Tweet

I want to encourage and challenge you to tell someone this week how God has changed your life. Your testimony is a powerful, evangelical tool that can completely alter a person’s future for their good. May you continue to share the good news not only this new year, but for many years to come. Blessings!

Devotional by Chad A. Damitz