Celebrating

“Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate his lovely name with music.”—Psalm 135:3 NLT

It has become one of the most-watched events of the year. It is the annual New Year’s Day concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra from Vienna, Austria. This concert features a celebration of the waltz with music primarily composed by Johann Strauss II, who, as the waltz king, became a nineteenth-century celebrity. His music inspired a waltz mania that swept across Europe and America. For many, his music still inspires good times and happy memories.

New Year’s Day revelers in Vienna make this a day to celebrate with music. But people throughout the world have found other ways to celebrate the start of a new year. Others celebrate with parades, parties, and sporting events.

Believers have other reasons to celebrate. This is a time to think about God, remember all He has done for us, fill our lives with gratitude, and let our mouths overflow with praise.

But this also is a time of reflection, looking back at the past and thinking about the year ahead. More than anything, it is a time to seek the Lord, realize He holds the keys to the future, and remember His faithfulness and all He has done for us.

Commit your past and the days ahead to God. Ask Him to help you prepare for the future. Trust Him. Celebrate His faithfulness. He is worthy of praise.

Reflection Question: Reflect on the past year—did you meet your goals? How did you glorify God?