Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Cor. 5:17)

The new year brings with it the promise of a clean slate, with greater things yet to come. Each year as the calendar turns over, we hear refrains of “new year, new you” echoing everywhere—in ads on TV, on the radio, and on social media. Bloggers write about ways you can make changes and make a fresh start as the new year rolls around.

The problem with this is that we don’t leave our problems behind just because the date on the calendar has changed. Difficult situations that we faced on December 31 are still there on January 1.

This seems discouraging, but as Christians, we have hope that dawns anew every day—not just at the start of a new year. Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

This is good news indeed. In Isaiah 40:31, we learn that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,” and Proverbs 23:18 says, “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”

When we place our hope in Jesus instead of the new year, we will find that we are renewed each day. He provides the strength to face each challenge and wisdom to see our way through to the other side.

Dear Jesus, thank you for hope for a future with you in eternity. Give us strength for the challenges we face each day, and help us lean on you in times of adversity. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.