We’ve reached the last day of the first month of this new year. It’s possible that, for many of us, this year may already be “the same old thing” as years before—with promises of new beginnings dashed, resolutions faltered, and hopes receded.

But newness does not come with a new year; nor does it age by the last day of an old year. Satisfying and refreshing newness is ours every day through the Lord Jesus Christ, who makes all things new. Days and years will pass, but the Word of the Lord is forever.

Once settled in Bethlehem, Ruth did not look for anything new or exciting; she was embraced by the kindness and integrity of Boaz, and she immersed herself in living out her days with her family and with God. The ancient, living Word of God kept her young and refreshed till the day she died. After Haman’s death and Mordecai’s promotion to the king’s right hand, Esther too was done with the anxiety and evil of Haman’s persecution. It was good to rest in the victory gained by discerning God’s timing and will in her life.

Wisdom invites us to eat what refreshes and keeps us ever new; folly winks at stolen sweetness, which only embitters and binds us to perpetual old age. Take, eat, and drink from the wisdom of God, and be ever new!