The ending of a year calls for reflection and introspection. It is a good time to take account of our life, to see just how we stand and where. While we should not be consumed by introspection, he is living recklessly who never looks into his own heart to see if all is going well. We need to get our bearings anew now and then, so as to know precisely where we are tending. Understanding where we’re headed is essential, as Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
As we start a new year, wisdom lies in letting go. Like moving from an old house, we should discard what’s no longer needed. Many past experiences, good in their time, are not worth retaining. They’ve served their purpose and should be left behind, making room for new beginnings. This aligns with Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
We must be mindful not to carry forward our mistakes into the new year. Repeating past errors, especially from folly or inexperience, is inexcusable once we have learned from them. Living wisely is about not repeating mistakes, as we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
There’s also wisdom in forgetting our past achievements. Dwelling on past glories can hinder growth. Some people hold onto memories of their good deeds, but those intent on maximizing their lives are quick to move on, understanding the importance of filling each day with purposeful actions and closing each chapter behind them, striving for future accomplishments.
Our duty is to always look forward. We cannot relive the past. If we have squandered opportunities, we can only ask God to forgive our mistakes and help us make amends, as we move forward to new and better living.
We should also leave behind grudges and unkind feelings. The world can be thoughtless, and people often act carelessly. Gathering every fragment of hurt only burdens us. Instead, we should cherish the kind and gentle aspects of the year and forget the unloving parts, as we’re taught in Ephesians 4:26 to forgive and not let the sun go down on our anger. Carrying any bitterness from an old year to a new one is contrary to God’s teachings.
A new year should mark a new beginning. We should carry into it only what is true, just, honorable, pure and lovely. The old year becomes a field where we’ve sown seeds through our words, acts and influences. Our role is to sow well and leave the harvest to others, content in letting our work speak for itself and leaving all in God’s hands.
A new year is not just a calendar change but an opportunity for personal renewal and growth. We should strive to leave behind the old, learn from our experiences and step forward with hope and positivity, aligned with scriptural guidance.
J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain and his words are part of this article.
