When a new year doesn't feel new

A new year is filled with new adventures, opportunities, and even resolutions. A new year is supposed to bring in a new season. But yet for so many of us, it doesn't feel that way.

Mid-January can be a time of sobering realization that the troubles from last year missed the note that its a new year. After the first few weeks of new years of resolutions have past and gone, we ask ourselves why does January of this year feel not too different than December or November of last- minus the festivities?

If we only look to the calendar to determine our new season, we miss out on an important biblical

principle- that each new day is filled with the daily providence of God.

“For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other alcoholic drink, but he provided for you so you would know that he is the Lord your God.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭29:5-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Israelites spent many new years in a wilderness season. While they were provided for, I can

imagine there was a longing to finally reach the destination and maybe even a frustration that

their circumstances haven't changed. However, if they focused on the unfulfilled desires, they

would have completely missed celebrating God's miraculous provision.

“But in your great mercy you did not abandon them to die in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud still led them forward by day, and the pillar of fire showed them the way through the night...For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell!”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭9:19,21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The pillars of clouds and fire didn't change, when they could have dissipated.

The daily food delivery didn't change, when it could have ran out.

Their clothes and shoes didn't change when they should have worn out.

God didn't change his character and remained faithful, even when the people displayed a change of heart.

So for the moments when the new year doesn't feel new, celebrate the fact that Our Father doesn't change.

He'll continue to guide. He'll continue to provide. He'll continue to remain faithful.

We just have to follow His lead.