Securing a Blessed New Year

I thrive on variety. How about you? Unfortunately, a variety of opinions often leads to confrontations, divisions, and even violence. However, there is a way of peace—a way of blessedness. Blessedness and happiness are synonyms. Want to be happy—blessed?

Psalm 1 reveals the secret. Don’t listen to everything you hear. Cultures often promote vain worldly wisdom as truth (Colossians 2:8, James 3:14–16). As followers of Yeshua, let us walk in His ways. Let Him guide us in our relationships so we don’t get tempted to follow sinners on their paths to sin. Let’s not allow others the opportunity to scorn our faith without boldly standing for the truth of God’s word. But how prepared are we to stand?

If we don’t read, meditate, and study the Bible, we cannot stand against false counsel. We won’t recognize the path that leads to sin, and we’ll not have an appropriate response to those who mock and scorn our Savior.

This year, let’s commit to walking with God, learning His Word, and meditating on the wonderful way He offers us blessedness. I started this devotion with my passion for variety. In my marriage, friendships, and daily dates with the Lover of my Soul—Jesus Christ—finding new ways to interact enhances my relationships.

Here’s a treat I discovered a few years ago. The book of Psalms is a songbook—the hymnal of Israel. Let us not underestimate the value of music in learning God’s words and ways (Ephesians 5:19). In our information age, you can find every psalm sung word for word. I started letting the Lord sing songs to me through our musically gifted brothers and sisters worldwide. Sometimes, I read along in my Bible or with slides in their videos. Maybe you’re a musician? You could compose new music or play other compositions of the Psalms.

I know God would enjoy your private concert just for Him.

Question for Reflection:

What types of things will you do in 2025 to commit to walking with God, learning His Word, and meditating on the wonderful way He offers us blessedness?