Goodbye, 2023; Hello to a New Year for All

It’s time to say “goodbye, 2023,” and “hello, 2024.”

It happens every December 31–with the year changed, of course.

But, the end of a year is a good time for reflection, which is what Oswald Chambers did while serving in Egypt.

A New Year’s Eve nightwatch to say goodbye.

It was the Chambers family custom to hold a prayer service, or a “nightwatch,” on New Year’s Eve.

We’ve only got records of the final nightwatch Oswald Chambers led in 1916. It went like this:

He spoke on “Finish 1916,” writing on his ubiquitous blackboard: “The Irreparable Past–Sleep On Now. The Irresistible Future–Arise Let Us be Going. Matthew 26:45-46.”

At the stroke of midnight, he turned over the blackboard to his printed words: “1917, A great New Year to you all ‘And God shall wipe away all tears,’ Revelation 21:4.”

I love his words–which Biddy used for the final reading in My Utmost for His Highest:

“As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, unremembering delight, nor with the flight of impulsive thoughtlessness, but with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us.

Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities which will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ.

My Utmost for His Highest; December 31

It’s always such a good reminder–to release events of the past year (and seek forgiveness, as needed).

Whatever issues came up, we seek forgiveness, receive it, and then say, “Goodbye, 2023.”

Goodbye, 2023, yes. But what about 2024?

Technically, it’s just another day on the calendar of life.

But, it also can be a time to consider new options, perhaps turn over some new leaves, in the new year.

Many people like to start with resolutions–how they plan to change in 2024.

Often, that includes beginning a new hobby, or discipline.

For many, that means reading a devotional–perhaps a familiar one, or perhaps a new one.

(Streams in the Desert will celebrate 100 consecutive years in print starting January 1, 2024. Why not try it?)

I have many suggestions here, here, and here.

I say “Goodbye, 2023,” with satisfaction this year.

Joining other members of my church, I read through Voice of the Martyr’s One-Year Devotional Bible in 2023.

I did it.

And was so inspired, I’m picking up a one-year chronological Bible in 2024. I’ll read the Bible yet again, but this time in chronological order! LOL (Lots of options here, including audio versions.)

I can hardly wait to wade through the Old Testament prophets in 2024!

(If you don’t want to buy yet another Bible, consider reading it online here).

Prayer is always the key–for OC and me!

Over at our house, we’ve been talking a lot lately about Jesus’ explanation for his behaviors:

Then Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

John 5:19-20 NKJV

A blessed goodbye to a complicated year, 2023, and a welcome hello to 2024.

I pray for your year will be one of joy and grace as we walk with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, into a new year.

Tweeables

Goodbye, 2023; hello, 2024, with tips on how from Oswald Chambers. Click to Tweet