Grace and Peace for Your New Year

While running this morning, I was listening to some Christian music. One of the songs was the Doxology. I chuckled thinking this song is sung at the end of a hymn or praise time and this was the first day of the New Year. How appropriate to begin the year with the end in mind…Jesus is victorious and we live with him forever.

Here are the lyrics to a song that was penned over 300 years ago

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The song reminds us to focus on blessings.  Appreciation is always a good way to start your day, engage in remembering throughout your day, and end it by vocalizing thanks one more time.

The song also points to the focus of praise. God is worthy of all praise…all the time…by all people. Praise lets us enter into the heavenlies where praise around God’s throne is continuous. True praise is like a needle on a compass recalibrating to our true North, God the Father. Praise moves us from our struggles and trials toward God who is above and over all things.

The singer ended the song with a blessing over the congregation, “Grace and Peace be with you.” The Congregation replied, “and with you also.” It made my heart smile thinking about receiving grace and peace for the New Year.

Grace is God’s undeserved favor. Nothing you or I do impresses God to love us more. He sees His son, Jesus, on whom His favor rests.

Peace is the Shalom of God impacting every facet of your life, your health, your finances, your relationships. May you experience God’s shalom this year…starting today.

Blessings, Love y’all

Additionally,

I have used the following reflection to take time to focus on the New Year.  Take time to pause and ask God to help you answer the questions. You may be surprised at His point of view.