New Year, Renewed Focus

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And the expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat. — Psalm 19:1-6

By God’s grace, we are now in the year 2026! I caught a glimpse of the year’s first sunrise through our window this morning. Even though it was the first day of the year, I wasn’t motivated enough to go out into 17-degree weather to fully appreciate it. But I did further reflect on this sunrise as I read Psalm 19 later that morning. The heavens declare to us the glory of God! When we see the majesty of a sunrise, we are reminded of God’s glory. Each day when we look at the sky, whether sunny or overcast, we are reminded of the work of God’s hands. Every day testifies to God’s power, and each night reminds us of His majesty. The created world does not speak with an audible voice or language; however, its testimony speaks to every person of every nation. Regardless of where you live, the power and creativity of God is on display. In His mercy and grace, God reveals Himself through His creation.

The beginning of a new year is a time we often reflect on our lives and think about things we want to accomplish in the coming 365 days. While setting goals and making resolutions can be good, they can also distract us from our focus on the Lord. We can get so laser focused on what we want to accomplish that we forget that our accomplishments mean nothing if we do them apart from Christ. Mere accomplishments do not change us or make us a better person. As I read Psalm 19 this morning, I was reminded that in preparing for a new year, I need to make sure that my focus is on the Lord. When my focus isn’t on the Lord, I can get overwhelmed or upset. Everyday this year when you look out the window let God’s creation be a reminder to renew your focus on the Lord. 

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, both His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.— Romans 1:20