Experiencing Joy In The New Year – In The Midst Of Sorrow
Has the loss of someone dear to you left a perpetual hole in your heart? Have the consequences of your poor choices convinced you that you’re a hopeless loser?
If so, I have an encouraging verse to share with you:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is [his] faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
If your grief or destructive choices make it hard for you to believe this verse, ask yourself: When my child is devastated by a tremendous loss, do I grow weary and close my eyes to their pain? When they disobey me, do I throw up my hands and walk away?
Of course not. Neither does our heavenly Father distance Himself when we need Him.
If I didn’t have the assurance of God’s grace if my husband or child were to die, I’d unravel. And if I feared God would withdraw even a fraction of His love when I disobey Him, I’d be emotionally destroyed.
I need to know, without a doubt, that God will always be there to fill every hole in my heart. That when I make a mess of my life, He will mercifully show me His plan – and assure me that He can and will still use me.
You, too, need to know that God’s love is unwavering. You, too, need to know God’s mercies will never end and will greet us every morning, day after day, after (sometimes) painful and disappointing day.
Some of you have been devastated by such grief and disappointment that I can only begin to imagine your pain, especially if you’re feeling distant from God. You long to experience the “Emmanuel, God with us” you heard about this past Christmas.
Would you, one more time, in the midst of your sorrow, ask God to reveal Himself to you?
I want you to experience the same love and mercy as He has shown many of us. When life is too much to bear . . . God’s grace, power and mercy are real. Allow Him to prove it to you.
This is what the Gospel message is all about.
If this is your first (or your fifty-first) new year without a loved one, I pray you’ll be comforted by the only Love that will never cease. If you wish you could join others in saying “Happy New Year!” and mean it, but you can’t because you dread another “loser” year, I hope you’ll find consolation in remembering that God’s mercy will never come to an end …
… even for you.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
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I’m so glad that God’s mercies are new every morning, and His love is unfailing and never ending! I do believe these truths, as I would be in a bad way if I didn’t. My father’s been gone over 25 years and my mom is in another world with her dementia, but I have been blessed with my wonderful husband, my two sons, their wives and my three grandsons! I also have a loving brother and two sisters who are dear to me, along with my best friend; what more could I ever want in this life. I’m truly blessed! Thanks Sheryl for encouraging us through every devotion you write! What a Godly friend we have in you and the rest of our group on POTSy Praise, too! We love you!️
You and the people at POTSy Praise are indeed blessed in so many ways, Kim.
And thank you for the compliment – and for your encouragement. It means a lot.
I want you to experience the same love and mercy as He has shown many of us. When life is too much to bear . . . God’s grace, power and mercy are real. Allow Him to prove it to you.
Sheryl I Love that our God is walking with us daily. I am leaning on God ‘s strength this year to get through the holiday season. Serveral family and friends have gone to be with him. Yet I am thankful for my Mom still being here with us. Also for my husband and daughters and their partners. I have to admit through my Dad passing 8 years ago. My Mom and I have grown closer to each other with God’s help . Thank you for your weekly devotional and,how you challenge me.
Hi, Susan. I’m sorry you and your family have experienced so many losses ~ and I rejoice with you for those you still have with you!
I pray 2025 will be an especially blessed year for each of you.
And thank you for your compliment, dear friend. Your encouragement helps more than you know.