Now may the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
This is not only a good NEW YEAR’S desire, but one that we should hold every day of every year, as we open our eyes and celebrate the Author and Giver of Life.
Jeremiah wrote, in a moment of great despair, Lamentations 3:22-24 ~
This is I call to mind and therefore I have hope.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end,
They are new every morning,
Great is your faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion, says my soul.
Therefore I will hope in him.
The Psalmist wrote, “I would have lost heart, had I not believed I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14.
Life, throughout this year, will continually demand of us to remain steadfast in our confidence in our God. We must remember to be mindful daily of His love and care, the working of His Holy Spirit that enables us, with His great grace, to walk in obedience- to fulfill all He has assigned.
Remaining resolute in our confidence that God is not a man that He should lie, Numbers 23:19. He has decreed. He will fulfill. Our times rest in His hand, and this is the work Jesus said we must do ~ believe. Psalm 31:15; John 6:29.
That’s a tall order and one we must wrestle with daily as we are surrounded by the negativity in the world, the doubts within us, and pressures from others. I’m encouraged by the reality that Jesus, tempted to doubt, as we are, never allowed doubt to drive Him to disobedience. He remains mindful that we are living in a world filled with tribulation, but assures us that our peace is found in Him, and so encourages us to take heart because He has overcome the world. Since He has, we can too. John 16:33.
We move into 2025, purposeful to walk out all we have learned in this prior season. To enter into what He has, by His Spirit, prepared. The words He has given will be our bread of life in the days ahead. The presence we are mindful to maintain will keep- us vitally united with Him. United, we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. Philippians 4:13. Without Him, we can do nothing. John 15:5.
This will be a year filled with many opportunities for us, the church, to shine brighter than ever, as every member joins and is held together with and by Him. As each part works properly, we see her growing and building herself up in love, able to express Jesus, the head, in every way. (Ephesians 4:16).
Let us purpose to be those who do not give way to the pressures of life but continue a vibrant pursuit of willing obedience to Him, for it is Christ in us that is the hope of glory being fulfilled in all the earth.
May your New Year be Filled with the fullness of His Blessings.