January 1

Morning

And the day after they had eaten from the produce of the land, the manna ceased. There was no more manna for the Israelites, so that year they began to eat the crops of the land of Canaan. — Josh 5:12 BSB

Israel’s long, exhausting journey was finally over, and they had entered the promised land of rest. No more wandering with tents, no more fiery snakes, no more fierce Amalekites or desolate wildernesses. They arrived in the land flowing with milk and honey, and they ate the crops from that land. Maybe this year, dear Christian, you and I might experience the same. It’s a joyful thought, and if our faith is strong, it will bring us pure delight. Being with Jesus in the rest God has prepared for His people is such a comforting hope, and knowing that this glory may come soon brings a double blessing.

Doubt may fear the Jordan River, which still lies between us and the promised land, but we should trust that we’ve already faced more hardship than death itself could ever bring. Let’s set aside every fearful thought and rejoice with great joy in the possibility that this year we might begin to be “forever with the Lord.” Some of us may remain on earth this year to continue serving our Lord, but that doesn’t change the truth of our hope: “We who have believed enter into rest.” The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance, giving us a taste of heavenly glory right here on earth. In heaven, they are safe, and we too are preserved in Christ Jesus; they celebrate victories over their enemies, and we also have our own triumphs. Those in heaven enjoy close communion with their Lord, and we are not denied that privilege; they rest in His love, and we too have perfect peace in Him; they sing His praises, and we are invited to bless Him as well. This year, we will gather heavenly blessings even while we live on earth, where faith and hope turn the desert into the garden of the Lord. In the past, God provided food for His people, so why wouldn’t He do the same for us now? May we have the grace to feast on Jesus and enjoy the fruits of the heavenly Canaan this year!

Evening

Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you. — Song 1:4 BSB

We will be glad and rejoice in You. We’re not starting the new year with sorrowful music, but with the joyful sounds of praise and celebration. “Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation!” We, the called, faithful, and chosen, will put aside our griefs and raise our banners of confidence in God’s name. Let others dwell on their troubles, but we, who have the healing balm for bitter waters, will magnify the Lord with joy!

“Holy Spirit, our true Comforter, we, the temples in which You dwell, will never stop praising and blessing the name of Jesus.”

We WILL do this. We’re determined. Jesus must have the crown of our heart’s delight, and we won’t dishonor Him by mourning in His presence. We are meant to be the musicians of heaven, so let us begin practicing our eternal anthem now before we sing it in the New Jerusalem.

We will be GLAD and REJOICE. These two words carry the same meaning—double joy, blessing upon blessing. Is there any limit to how much we can rejoice in the Lord, even now? Don’t believers already experience Christ as their source of comfort and sweetness, just as in heaven itself?

We will be glad and rejoice IN YOU. That last phrase is the highlight—the core of the message. What incredible joy we find in Jesus! All rivers of eternal happiness flow from Him. “O precious Lord Jesus, since You are the treasure of Your people, may we feel Your presence this year so deeply that from the beginning of January to the end of December, we may be glad and rejoice in You.” Let this year begin with joy in the Lord and end with gladness in Jesus.