The New Year usually brings with it a sense of excitement.
We look at the blank pages on its calendar with hope. There is opportunity to change what needs changing, to correct mistakes, to start over. We resolve to lose weight, exercise more, become more spiritual, work harder, be a better husband, wife, neighbor, etc.
But why do we only consider doing these things as the New Year begins? Could it be that each new day, hour, or minute offers us this same opportunity?
In one of the beautiful Psalms of praise found in the Old Testament, we find a statement that should help us to recognize the value of every day. Prophesying about the rejection of Jesus, the Psalmist wrote: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22). He then added, “This was the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:23-24).
Thinking about Jesus’s rejection and ensuing death normally fills our hearts with sadness. But we must not fail to note the perspective set forth in this psalm.
Jesus’s rejection was the Lord’s doing! God’s plan called for such, so we should express joy rather than sorrow. Why? Because that day was made by God, we should rejoice and be thankful for it.
If joy can be had on the day the chief cornerstone—Jesus Christ—was rejected, we can rejoice every other day as well.
So after the newness of the New Year wears off, remember that each new day is a gift from God. You do not have to wait until the New Year dawns to start over. You can start anew when you choose. Let us all be thankful for every new day, and let us learn to rejoice in each one.
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
