I once heard a remark that if you were to describe our modern era with one word it would be this—new.
Everything we use, encounter, and discover is “new.”
Our lives are full of the newest technology, the latest iPhone, and the most up-to-date news. We live in the age of the latest—not of the ancient. Updating and upgrading is the status quo. “Out with the old, in with the new” is a part of our way of life.
And this disposition towards newness can create ongoing anxiety which we project onto God.
Does he really know how to navigate these changing times?
If everything is new, can God handle it?
Is he prepared for what’s to come?
Can he really save?
Even me?
Here’s the good news.
God’s power is as ancient as the world’s foundations yet as fresh as the morning dew.
Israel’s God “does not faint or grow weary” (Isaiah 40:28) and he is “from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth” (Psalm 74:12).
Unlike our world which is held captive to the new and constantly figuring it out as we go. Our heavenly Father has been working out salvation from ancient times. He knows what he’s doing.
He is not anxious about what’s around the corner and he does not grow tired of working in the world.
So in this new year, how about turning toward the ancient paths of our God?
How about settling into the ways of the Holy One of Israel?
Getting alone with and getting close to Jesus?
You might find his presence to be as fresh as ever.