Auld Lang Syne

When we think of New Year's Eve, we immediately think of celebration—a new beginning, a fresh start, the old is past and the new lies ahead. The world will celebrate with parties and feasts, fireworks and confetti, family and friends.

David wrote of a celebration in Psalm 145, one in which every believer should engage himself or herself every day of the year.

"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." (Ps 145:3-7 NIV)

As the New Year approaches a few short hours from now, will your celebration be like the world's or will it more closely reflect the Psalmist's?

Why not take advantage of your time with family and friends to tell of God's mighty works, to speak of the glorious splendor of His majesty? Take some time today to meditate on the wonderful things the Lord has done for you and through you this past year. Share with others the power of what God can do through a submitted life. Proclaim His great deeds. And, celebrate His abundant goodness while joyfully singing of His righteousness.

Take a moment to read the original words penned by James Watson in 1711 while considering David's words in Psalm 145:

Auld Lang Syne

Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:
Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
on Old long syne.

CHORUS:

On Old long syne my Jo,
in Old long syne,
That thou canst never once reflect,
on Old long syne.

My Heart is ravisht with delight,
when thee I think upon;
All Grief and Sorrow takes the flight,
and speedily is gone;
The bright resemblance of thy Face,
so fills this, Heart of mine;
That Force nor Fate can me displease,
for Old long syne.

CHORUS

Since thoughts of thee doth banish grief,
when from thee I am gone;
will not thy presence yield relief,
to this sad Heart of mine:
Why doth thy presence me defeat,
with excellence divine?
Especially when I reflect
on Old long syne

CHORUS

(Note, the literal translation of "Old Long Syne" or "Auld Lang Syne" is "Old Long Since.")

Should "old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?" Our "acquaintance" with God should never be forgotten, on New Year's Eve or any time. Don't let your relationship with the Lord sit on the shelf while you celebrate the New Year. Don't allow your testimony to be forgotten while you ring in the New Year with family and friends. Rather, tell of His greatness, praise Him for His awesome works, and celebrate His abundant goodness as you joyfully sing of His righteousness.

Don't let your relationship with God be "Old Long Since" but rather keep the flames of passionate love for the Father burning bright this New Year's Eve. Celebrate the New Year with a heart full of expectation and anticipation for the incredible greatness of God to be displayed in our individual lives and throughout the whole earth!

Father, when I consider all that You have done in my life, I am in awe. Thank You, Lord, for being so real to me and accepting me as Your very own. Lord, help me to be a beacon of light in the darkness of this world, never forgetting the special relationship we enjoy. I look forward to this next year as a precious gift from You, to do with me, through me, and in me as You will. I will celebrate Your abundant goodness today and every day! And, all that Jesus Christ might be glorified…amen!

© Jan Ross
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