5 Proverbial Reasons:

Today, it’s natural to think about days gone by.

As we wake up and pour that first cup of coffee, our minds drift back to the good ol’ days; the passion of our youth, adventure of our college years, the honeymoon stage of marriage and the growth of our children.

To quote Archie and Edith Bunker, “Those were the days.” (Click the link if you haven’t been acquainted.)

Another year’s gone by.

How has your year been? Was it exciting; full of joyous moments? Or was it a year of trials; one that you’d prefer to strike from the history books?

Whether we like it or not, today a new year begins. Most of us will reflect on this past year and on years gone by.

“Where have I been? Who have I met? What have I done?“

Then, true reflection begins.

“Where could I have gone? Who could I have met? What could I have done?“

And then,

“What could I have done differently? Could I have done more? Have I made a difference?“

As I creep toward my 40’s, I realise more and more that time flies. Over the past couple of years, I have found myself asking these difficult questions more often. So another year gone by can depressing.

But let’s not get too down-in-the-dumps. We can do things differently. We can do more. We can make a difference.

5 Benefits of a New Year

There are some incredible benefits of another year gone by. These benefits spring from some important passages of Scripture, all found in Proverbs 16.

1. We have another year.

One more year on this earth is a great thing, because there is another year ahead of us. Even if we only have 1 year left; if this is our last, we still have life ahead of us. (This may sound slightly morbid, but it’s true.) Proverbs 16 states,

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” (16:31)

According to this verse, growing a year older is in itself a benefit. In reality, the remaining 4 benefits spring from the single benefit of growing older.

2. We have lessons learned.

We have all made mistakes. Yet, from my life experience and from what I’ve witnessed; the older we are, the less mistakes we make. But I’m not convinced that this is a simple result of age. Proverbs 16 also states,

“The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.” (16:17)

I believe that every year has a group of lessons learned. Each mistake is matched with a lesson and the ability to prevent making that mistake again. Granted, some lessons we learn from witnessing the mistakes of others, but this too comes with time.

3. We have fresh perspective.

“The old has gone and the new has come.” (2. Cor. 5:17)

Just like a new day brings clarity of mind, a new year brings clarity of vision. This is where we can embrace those tough questions of, “How am I going to make a difference this year?” Proverbs 16 gives us some clues:

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” (16:16)

Taking hold of a fresh perspective by seeking wisdom and insight will make a huge difference; not only within us but with everyone we interact with this coming year. We can take a fresh look at our lives and everything we hope this year to be.

4. We have a second chance.

Maybe this year didn’t end the way you had hoped, or the way you had planned. Maybe this year ended really badly. Maybe you have a few regrets. Take heart, this is all a part of the reflection process. It’s what happens now that matters. Proverbs 16:3 states,

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.“

This year is a second chance to embrace change. To live that new adventure or to create that amazing thing. Moreover, to restore that broken relationship or to address that lingering area of sin. Metaphorically, we get to hit the reset button.

5. We have an Overseer.

Who will control this next year? Who’s in charge? Who’s going to guide us? Who will keep us moving forward?

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Prov. 16:33)

We need not worry about this coming year, because we serve someone who has already ensured that the outcome is as it should be. Remember that Jesus Christ is the “Overseer of your souls” (1 Pet. 2:25) and He will guide you through every step of this coming year.

Moving Forward Into the New Year

As we officially embrace 2015, I’d like to highlight one last point of advice from Proverbs 16.

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” (Prov. 16:20)

Take a moment and fill that coffee cup and click HERE to read through Proverbs 16. Let these points of Biblical instruction  carry you into the first day of this year.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

What have you gained from the past year? Why are you choosing to embrace this year?