Call to Worship for a New Year

Good morning and Happy New Year. There’s something invigorating about the new year. Though January 1 is really just an arbitrary day on the Gregorian calendar, it still feels as though there’s a fresh start – a new beginning that lies ahead, which is why so many take the occasion to set resolutions for the new year. But that ginned-up feeling rarely has enough staying power to help you to follow through on those New Year’s resolutions.

But the good news is that there is a sustaining power that isn’t just seasonal emotions based on holiday vibes. That true and lasting power comes from the sustaining hand of the Lord, which is available to us year-round, on a daily basis.

A few scriptures might come to my mind when I consider how the Lord daily sustains his people. Maybe you also have a list of passages that come to your mind. I’ll read a few of those and let’s allow these passages to stir our affections for worship.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
            his mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
           great is your faithfulness.

(Lamentations 3:22–23 ESV)

Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,
            and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
            and his favor is for a lifetime.
 Weeping may tarry for the night,
            but joy comes with the morning.

(Psalm 30:4–5 ESV)

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up;
            God is our salvation.

(Psalm 68:19 ESV)