Well, say goodbye to 2023. It is gone forever. You might look back over last year and think, “Goodbye and good riddance.” Last year may have been a hard year for you. It could have been filled with memories you wish to forget.
Or, last year could have possible been a fantastic year for you. Surveying the events of 2023 gives you a sense of euphoria. You are grateful for the life events of last year.
Chances are that you may feel somewhat between the above two occurrences. You had some fantastic things happen but also some discouraging times, too.
What really matters is that 2023 is over, and today you welcome 2024. This New Year’s Day is a time to celebrate. Look to the past year to learn from it. Turn to this year and embrace what life may bring for you. The month of January is named after the Roman god, Janus, who was pictured as a man with two faces. One was looking backward, and one was looking forward. That gives you a proper perspective on this New Year’s Day.
There are a number of biblical applications that you can make on such a day as today. One such verse gives you wise counsel with your relationship with Christ: “Finally then Brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus, that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and please God” (1 Thessalonians 4:1; NKJV). You are doing well in your relationship with Christ. But don’t let that go to your head. Now, “you should abound more and more.”
Set your mind on 2024 being better than the years past. No matter what your relationship with Christ has been in the past, make this year an even better one. This is done as you “walk and please God” more each day!
