My First and Last

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalm 90:1-2

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4

“‘Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end…’ He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:12-13,20-21

In the beginning, God was. He was active at the creation of all things, and upholds them still. He was and is present at every turning of season and awakening of day, each fresh page of the calendar. This One who has been from everlasting past will always be, eternally existent, infinitely constant, strong, good, and wise. From start of the scriptures to close, God’s story is told and His majestic eternity revealed, HIs eternity and eternal word bearing on our time and place in history.

At a time, date, and season of new beginnings, it is grounding to know that the almighty, heavenly Lord is first and last. He was before all time and anything that existed. He is the first cause of all that occurs, man’s raison d’etre, and our end. And He upholds the universe, in all its wrangling and uncertainties, by His power. Though we may fear uncertainties and insecurities ahead, He unfolds days and futures according to His sovereign will. Though we may be rocked by circumstances and unforeseen events, He is never surprised or out of control. Our charge at the new year is to trust Him! (Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3)

Facing a clean schedule and anticipating all God has in store in a new year, we can be inspired to roar ahead with exciting plans and verve. Pausing to contemplate the eternal God who is our dwelling place and has set past and future will refine our viewpoint for the months and days ahead. How can we align our enthusiasm and determination with His good will? What habits will we set in place to remind us of His eternal plans, and keep us honing an eternal perspective? (Romans 12:1-2)

In light of the reality that God is our cause and end, that He is here and coming soon, what are our priorities for hours and days? What is our chief desire this new year? Who or what fuels our passions and sets our direction and determination? What doubts can we entrust to His wisdom, what hopes to His good plans, what cares to His everlasting arms? (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 5:7)

Eternal Lord, please set the schedule of my days and plans for the future to cause me to know You better, trust You more, and glorify You as You deserve.