As we pass into a New Year I am reminded that what the Lord says is true: “Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things.” (Isaiah 42:9) Yes, last year is over; gone for good and whether it was a great year or a terrible year for you, it shall never return. Is that the echo of a big AMEN I hear?

It is reassuring to know when life is hard that it is only temporary-there are seasons of plenty and seasons of want which naturally flow in and out of life. I was pondering this as I walked my dogs in the afternoon in the inevitable “let down” following all the festivities. The food is all gone and so are all the guests. Time to put away the decorations and get back to my normal regular routine.

Here’s a suggestion to start the New Year off on the right foot. You don’t know what is ahead but you will be able to face anything if you: “Sing to the Lord a new song, sing His praise from the end of the earth!” (Isaiah 42: 10) A new song means you aren’t going to wallow in the disappointments of the past year. You aren’t going to try to return to the former glory either. It’s a new year so you need to sing a new song.

Whatever has happened to us and whatever is still ahead, God is worthy of our praise. If we look around, we will have no shortage of things to praise him for-even if first on our list is how glad we are that the old year has mercifully slipped into history.

Sing a happy new song and have a happy New Year!