It’s a new year! Such a great time for starting fresh. Many are working on fitness and health, work goals, house (and life) organization, and personal growth. But for every person who looks forward to the new season with a sense of anticipation, there is one who just doesn’t have the energy to put into planning for another year, for another month, maybe even for another day.

Life can be so tough. Every day we interact with people who are hurting. People who are struggling to put one foot in front of the other.

Dear friends who are taking care of aging parents, some of whom are facing serious illnesses.

Sweet parents who are overwhelmed with their children’s health issues, learning hurdles, and behavior.

Precious children who went to bed hungry the night before.

Sometimes the struggles are out in the open, for others to see. Other times, they are hidden deep inside, and no one knows.

Maybe it’s the teller at the bank. The cashier at the grocery store. The police officer on the highway. The coworker next door. Maybe, dear friend, it’s you.

Maybe you were “over it” before 2017 even started. The new  has already worn off of this year for you, and it’s only January 31st!

The truth is that the new will always wear off in the things of this world. At some point, new homes become old, new cars break down, new clothes wear out, and new toys lose their shine.

Programs lose their luster, jobs become routine, friends let us down, and loved ones grow old. What do we do when the new wears off and frustration, fear, and even panic set in?

We turn to the One who is ageless.

“22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.”       Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

His mercies are new.

Every. Single. Day.

Mercy enough to cover our sin. Mercy to cover our stain. Mercies every day to cover our disappointment when the things of this world let us down.

Mercy to cover us in strength when our relationships fail and we are frustrated.

Mercy to cover us in peace when we see our children struggling with this life and we are helpless.

Mercy to cover us in grace when we realize our loved ones will not be present with us on earth forever and we are grieving.

His love keeps us from being consumed by this world. His mercies are new every day. Ask Him to cover you with mercy and grace to face the next day. The next minute. And He will. He will give you new mercies every day!

And that’s a new that won’t wear off.

Take a listen, friends. Happy New Year.

The God Who Makes All Things New by: Paige Givens (copyright 2015)