Sky Markers

New Year

Oh the possibilities! Which way will we go?

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light-bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the expanse of the heavens

to separate the day from the night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care],

and for marking seasons, days, and years;’” Genesis 1:14 Amplified Bible

 

The heavens do more than declare God’s glory (Psalm 19:1). They also powerfully declare the passage of time. And that’s why the January 1st date on our calendars is treated as something special.

For illustrative purpose, imagine life as a high speed elevator in a tall building. As you pass each floor a quiet bell dings and a light momentarily illuminates the floor number you are moving past.

“Ding – 24th floor … ding – 25th floor” etc.

When life is viewed linearly it becomes “Ding – 2012 … ding – 2013” etc. It’s a significant milestone for everyone. And it causes us to think a little more seriously about life and the way we’ve moving through it. We harbor thoughts like:

  • If I keep gaining weight like I have this year I’ll eventually weigh as much as a small car!
  • If I continue my weight training I’ll soon be able to lift a small car!
  • If I keep slacking off I may eventually get a job at minimum wage.
  • If I keep working like I have been I may get that promotion sooner than I expected.
  • If I continue spending like I have been I may soon be living in the poor house.
  • If I am careful with my finances I may soon be able to buy a nice house.

A new year gives us the opportunity and nudge to move away from what hinders us and grasp the potential that lies before us. I look back and either smile or seriously ponder the choices I’ve been making.

God has been good to give us these yearly pauses. As the writer of Genesis says, the passage of days and years are useful as signs or tokens of God’s care in our lives. New Years Day isn’t just about us and our plans for betterment, but it’s about reflection on the goodness of a Heavenly Father. It’s a wonderful time to count blessings even as you are taking stock of changes that you can make in your life.

One last thing as you move into 2018 … the sun, moon and stars are also markers for the seasons. You may be going through a rough season right now, but it’s a season and just as winter inevitably transitions into spring and spring into summer, so God’s grace will be with you as you move into your next season.

Have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

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