Second Half of the Year Day // Lamentations 3:40

Today is Second Half of the Year Day! The origins are unknown, but at noon today, we will officially begin the last half of 2023. So, how are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Just kidding. In all seriousness, how are you feeling about the year? It’s been a mixed bag for me. As I think back over where I was 182 days ago, there are things I hoped and planned for that did not come to fruition. There are things I didn’t think would happen that did. We’ve suffered a major death in the family. We’ve also seen things that bring extreme pride and joy. I’ve had a lot of laughs, shed a few tears, all the while enjoying life.

Our verse for the day comes from Lamentations 3:40, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” We read these words preceding today’s verse: “Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?” (Lamentations 3:37-38) That speaks to to the experience of living, doesn’t it? God is God of the good days and the bad. Whatever has happened so far this year is all in the gaze of our Almighty God.

All of our days are numbered (Job 14:5). We get closer to our union with eternity each day. If you find yourself drifting from God as we begin the second part of this year, take heed of today’s verse. Return to the Lord and trust His will for your life. Yes, your days are numbered, but as it says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “God has prepared things for those who love him that no eye has seen, or ear has heard, or that haven’t crossed the mind of any human being” (CEB). Let that bring some hope to your soul today, on this Second Half of the Year Day!