No doubt, it’s been a tough couple of years. We wished away 2020, hoping for a better 2021, which to many of us, did not turn out as expected. Instead, it seemed like an extension of the 2020 we couldn’t wait to get over with. Now, we have 2022 ready to jump in, what should we do? Hope against hope that it will be a better year or not even bother nurturing hope, so we don’t get disappointed when our wishes don’t come true?
If our hope rests in times, events and outcomes of life, all of which come and go, how miserable our lives will be? Our hope is God and our hope must rest in Him who never fails or changes. It is only in God that we have a future and only in Him we know that our hope will not be disappointed (Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 23:18.) That is the only way we can thrive amidst difficulties and keep going when everyone else is getting discouraged and giving up. My singular resolution going into the New Year is to build my life and expectations around the Word of God. If we want to enjoy peace and find rest in these restless times, we must encourage ourselves in the Lord and in His Word;
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5,6.
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10.
Therefore, whatever the New Year takes or brings, don’t forget:
Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! Ecclesiastes 9:4.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations3: 21-23.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
My advice to us as we prep for the New Year and for whatever else may come our way, is:
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12.
Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6.
Finally, here’s my prayer for us as we go into the New Year:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.
Happy New Year.
Glory!