"Daily New Year Praise"

By Zach Wood

Psalm 96:9

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.

 

 

I read this passage in my devotional book a few days ago.  As I have read it through again each day since, I have been reminded of things people have gone through this past year.  I remember situations in which friends and family have experienced trials, sorrow and loss.  For some, it was not a loss of someone they love, but perhaps a home that was destroyed in some way, leaving them homeless.  I cannot even fathom what that experience would be like. 

 

With these hard times, it is often difficult to focus on the great things God has done and is still doing.  It is easy to get caught up in feeling down and like nothing is going to get better in life.  Sometimes, life does feel that way.  However, it is in these times when we need to praise God for Who He is and all that He has done for us.  Was last year a bad year for you?  Well, praise God for a new year of second chances!  You can start new in your walk with Him.  Give Him all your worries, frustrations and burdens.  Let Him give you a peace that the world cannot give you.

 

I have been so amazed to see people that I know go through difficult times, but still show the love they have for God and say that He is in control.  That is inspiring to me!  In this Psalm, we are reminded to worship God in the splendor of all His holiness.  Our praise to Him should not be hindered by tragedies in our life.  Yes, tough times make it challenging to give God praise, but He is worthy of praise in the good times and bad.

 

I do not want to give the impression that the new year is the only time to make resolutions for your renewed walk in Christ.  These changes should be made year-round.  However, many people do take a lot of time to consider what changes need to be made in their lives when a new year comes around.  It is good to evaluate what you have been through and make changes where they need to be made.  

 

I encourage you, no matter what choices you may have already made for the new year, make sure that your relationship with Christ is a choice that is daily renewed.  We should worship Him daily in the splendor of His holiness.  Worship Him in the good times and the bad times.  He is our strength when we are weak and the treasure we should constantly seek.