With Another Year Ahead Of Us…

I’ll admit, I love and appreciate the hymns of old. Those that when the organ plays the first few chords, you know exactly what song it is. When I was thinking about the end of the year, of course there are so many thoughts that come to mind. And the old hymn, “Another Year is Dawning,” keeps coming to mind. So, I decided to share this song with you today, in hopes to encourage you with these truths and spur you on with excitement for what God has in store for us all this next year.

Another Year Is Dawning

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

To me this says “God, it’s in your hands.” You are in control of time, the seasons, and the years. If You allow it Lord, so shall it be.

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

How true is this? We don’t know what this year is going to hold – nobody does. Whether it is filled with much joy or pain, gain or loss, in the end, it’s another year to be with Him. For some the waiting period is longer than we ever expected. For some, work has been hard to come by, while others are thriving. Yet in the end, it’s another year with and for Him.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Do I see this year as another year to grow in faith and grace? Another year to grow in His image? Where I can praise him no matter what the circumstances? We can praise, even amidst all the chaos and uncertainty. May this all be our challenge this coming year!

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Have you ever heard of the poem “The Dash”? It has been years since I have read it, but basically it’s about the dash on your gravestone someday – what is it going to say? The dates on your grave – yes, they say when you were born and when God took you home, but what about the life lived in between? At my funeral, I want people to be able to say that I “proved Thy presence all the days.” EVERYDAY my life should be a reflection of Him and that Christ lives in me.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Great is thy faithfulness! When you look back on your life, do you see God’s mercies, grace, and faithfulness? Do you see that they are unfailing? May my life be a representation of these things this year as well.

Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;

When I look up to God, do I feel his light shining down on me? To me, it’s a choice whether we want to see his grace in our lives. It’s our choice to choose gladness when we realize the presence, protection, and comfort he offers us. Am I glad to be serving the Lord? Am I a shining light for Him?

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;

Never have I felt the need to lean on God more! Think about this word-picture, like one of a child on their mother or father’s lap. I picture myself sitting on the lap of God, Him comforting me during the toughest of times, stroking my hair and saying “It’s going to be okay, Kristin.” That is what God offers us EVERYDAY – are you willing to accept that intimate of comfort? I just need to CHOOSE to lean on Him and not on myself.

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Have you rested in God’s peace this past year? Have you trusted him with the kind of trust that offers peace? The kind of trust that offers a quiet and happy rest? I think of the Sabbath – something God created FOR US. Am I starting my week off with quiet, happy rest? In this coming year, may we all walk with a trust that is unexplainable – one of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,

Do you have the kind of faith that moves you to serve? Do you serve out of the love that God has for you? Or do you do things out of obligation? We can’t serve both God and money. We can’t serve both God and ourselves. In our serving, are we witnesses of HIS love or for love of worldly and self gain?

Another year of training for holier work above.

Are you daily training your heart for holier work above? Do you daily stay in His Word? Do I daily fill my mind with things that are pleasing to Him? I need to take time out of my day to reflect on what I am doing so that I am able to do ALL THINGS for the glory of God, not my own.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

Thank you Lord, for another year…

On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Lord, no matter what you have in store for us this year, may we live it for YOU, and YOU alone. May this year be all about You and less of us!

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps. 90:12)

May this coming year be one not of comfort and ease, but of growing in Christ and recognizing the grace, mercies, and faithfulness of our Lord. No matter what the year may bring.