Watchman Daily Devotional: Whatever You Do in Word or Deed, Do All in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Giving Thanks Through Him to God the Father. (Col. 3:10-17)

Scripture contains revealed truth that provides us hope for a prosperous new year and reassurance that God will support us in overcoming any challenges.

The Lord has made this day, so let us celebrate and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Taking each day as it comes, we can rest certain that our heavenly Father, who is sovereign and loving, has meticulously planned every moment of the upcoming year. The hand that will guide us in the future is the hand of God.

Some people believe that time passes in a boring or never-ending manner, but the Lord's timetable is vastly different from our perception of time.

However, keep in mind this one thing: with the Lord, a day is equal to a thousand years, and a thousand years are equal to one day.

A day can seem endless to a youngster, but a year of constant physical or mental suffering can seem endless to others. However, an eon is equivalent to a day or a year to God. And the other way around. Day by day, we live our lives anchored to God by virtue of our faith. As "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8), Jesus gave us the following instructions:

"You shouldn't worry about tomorrow; it will take care of itself." There is enough trouble in each day on its own. Matthew 6:34

Even while we hope He returns soon, we continue to live in this fallen world, as the apostle John begged in his latter years:

"Yes, I, Jesus, will arrive soon." Amen. Lord Jesus, come. (Revelation 22:20)

Why does the Lord appear to take his time and not arrive soon? because He has different goals and timing than we do. Though God wishes to save more people from eternal doom, and His timing for doing so will not be shortened, we all crave relief from the horrors of this broken world.

Instead of being delayed about His promise, as some people think, the Lord is patient with you, wanting everyone to come to repentance rather than for anybody to perish.

So where does that leave us? We have to adopt this perspective going into the upcoming year: God has a reason for having us here. And regardless of our actual terrestrial age, we are not old, even though last year is now in the past. As the Bible has made clear to us:

As a result, everyone who belongs to Christ is a new creation; the things that were old have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

We approach life's obstacles differently than unbelievers in the world because we are new in Christ. As if we were putting on new clothes, we pledge to start this new year by continuing to walk in the newness of life that God has given us.

Tenth, put on the new self that is being renewed to real understanding in accordance with the One who made him.

Put on a heart that is full of kindness, humility, patience, and compassion; ... be tolerant of one another and forgive anybody who has grievances against you; you should do the same for others as the Lord has done for you.

Above and above all of these, add on love, the ideal unifying force.  Thank you, and may the peace of Christ, to which you were truly called in one body, reign in your hearts.

16 Allow the teachings of Christ to deeply permeate your being. Use spiritual songs, hymns, and psalms to teach and correct one another while you sing to God in thanksgiving.  Do all you say and do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father via Him. (Col. 3:10–17)