Let me offer you the very best wishes for this new year!   What would it look like if the very best year of all?   Would it not involve family and friends?  Your health and happiness?  Financial success?  Job security?  How about a substantial raise?  Could be one of many things.

King David in Psalm 4 offers some hints about what’s best for any new year.  In spite of scoffers, David knows that the Lord hears all his prayers (verse 1).  He knows that the Lord cares enough to help him in times of need and ‘distress’.  That’s pretty good–God hears us and responds.

Verse 3 adds more best wishes for all who trust in Him– that He ‘…has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.’   He hears us.   We are His.  We belong to Him.  He takes care of His own.  Could there be a better new year’s wish for you and me?

David takes it another step higher.  Verses 4 and 5 speak of worship that is simply trusting in the Lord.  David has much he can be angry about in his life.  So do you and I.  But, in worship of our Lord, we move beyond hostility to holy leaning on our God, placing our hands in His, taking His yoke upon us.  ‘Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.’  That’s a best wish for any year.  Anger will not win out.

Verse 6 echoes those scornful laughs of unbelievers who wonder if there really is any good in this world.  David responds with the best wish of all– seeing the Lord’s loving face gazing down upon us.  To know that He will never go away.  Never disappear or abandon us.  That His smile is one of love and affection.

Like our grandchildren, all of them, equally, without comparison.  To look at them and marvel at them!   Know what I mean?  Nothing could be better.

Verse 7:  ‘You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.’  More than a fine meal with a special bottle of vintage wine.  Much more.  After all, these are the best wishes for the new year– God’s hearing us, His taking us to Himself as His own, and then to be with Him forever.  That’s the very best of all!

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord,  for all the best wishes you have for us in this new year.  Help us to trust you more and more.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.