Because of the Lord’s faithful love
we do not perish,
for his mercies never end.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness!
I say, “The Lord is my portion,
therefore I will put my hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24 CSB
You made it to the end of the year. Because of God’s faithful love, you were not overcome. You did not perish — nor will you ever if your trust is in Him. Today is the last day of 2023, and tomorrow ushers in the start of a new year . . . along with God’s faithfulness to see us through it all.
No matter what you’ve faced this year, tomorrow is full of new mercies. Because of God’s grace and forgiveness, we are offered a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). When we accept the gift of new life in Christ, God promises to give us a heart that is once again soft and a spirit that is open to His guidance.
As we close out this year, reflecting on all that has happened in the past 365 days, all the ways we’ve grown and struggled and loved and learned, let’s remember that a new day is coming. God will give us a new heart — as well as a new year.
Happy last day of 2023, friends. May your heart feel renewed, refreshed, and ready to welcome every ounce of God’s faithful love and new mercies ahead.
Leave a Comment
Jill says
Happy New Year (in)courage! Thank you for being a part of my mornings! I appreciate each and every post.
Judyc says
Thank you so much for this writing today. I have been feeling for about a week that my new word for the year is hope. When I read this scripture this morning, I knew that Lamentations 3:22-24 should be the main scripture to go with that word. Wishing all of you a very blessed 2024!
KathleenB says
AMEN!
Mary K says
Good Morning on this New Year’s Eve Day. Also as Kathleen did I
Wish to Thank the Authors of (in courage.me)
Judyc thanks for saying HOPE is your New Word for the Year 2024.
I wish to also take this word as an encouragement & support.
KathleenB appreciate your comment AMEN.
Beautiful way to start a New Year !
Irene says
Thank you, ladies, for your encouragement every day. I rarely miss a day of reading your emails.
Karen says
Thank God for being God, He is faithful forever, Love Him
BC from BC says
Thank you!
Karen jacobs says
Thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement and hope. My husband passed away last December 26th and this has been a very difficult year. After reading your post, and scriptures, I feel comforted and am looking forward to a new year filled with “new beginnings”. Peace and love to all who write for (in)courage. I really enjoy your emails.
Becky Keife says
Karen, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Grateful you are part of this community.
Brenda M. Russell says
Happy New Year Everyone
Glory to the name of Jesus !
I am a mother of three lovely daughters.
I thought diapers were time consuming but apartments, vehicles, jobs, co-workers, friends, associates, new clothes, trips & vacations, fur babies (4), recipes, rent, electric bills, cellphone bills, W-2 forms, groceries, fuel and filing taxes can be so daunting. Keep Praying for mothers and children as we approach 2024.
Children are a gift from God. Don’t try to understand them, appreciate them and Pray for them. We were their ages before and our grandparents Prayed for us and our parents endured us.
I long for the joy of seeing this new generation cling to our Lord and Savior, Jesus. God knows everything and He knew they would be born for such a time as this (where we are now history).
Remember, God had not given us (Believers) a spirit of fear, but of Power, Love and a Sound Mind (with self-restraint). Thank You Holy Spirit.
God Bless Your Steps My Sisters in Christ.
Brenda
Kelly G says
Thanks for the reminder that God placed us and our children in this time of history. That instead of regretting what we and they are facing, to know that we have a purpose in being alive at this moment in time.
Also, I smiled at your advice on parenting :).
Peggie says
I love getting the (in)courage email everyday! It is so inspiring and challenging and I can tell you
that Dorina’s Bible Study “Create in Me a Heart of Mercy” completely changed my life in 2023!
Sharon Drake says
Thank God for His mercy and grace which is new everyday!
I look forward to this new year’s journey with expectation and anticipation of miracles, signs, and wonders!
Margaret Polly says
Encouraging reminder! So many terrible things happening at home and abroad, we need to put this on a reminder card or app. Focus on Jesus, the author of life and put our hope in him alone.
Thank you!
Beth Williams says
In Courage,
Happy New Year’s Eve. Prayers that you all have a more Christ-centered year. I have two words for the year: positive came about as people kept giving me items with think positively, etc. on them. Growth is my other word. I want to grow deeper in the knowledge & love of Jesus.
Blessings 🙂