A Time for New Hope

As we say goodbye to the old year, you may be weary from unfulfilled dreams, family/ relationship matters, health concerns, career or finance problems. Perhaps you are overwhelmed by national/ governmental/ world chaos, violence or other society problems. We have all experienced life's highs, lows, joys and sadness throughout the past year. However, God is faithful and still in control. No matter how dismal your situation or how the world may look, Jesus has won the ultimate victory for us. He says, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart!" "I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.

The new year and new decade is a time for new hope. Scripture reminds us that God is the God of hope. Believers are to put their hope in the Lord, trusting His will for them. We can renew our strength by speaking God's word and standing on His promises.

For your unanswered prayers, always speak positively calling things that are not as though they were, Romans 4:17. Writing down your prayers and dreams are also helpful to keep it before your eyes. In weary times, when you're stressed, sick, overburdened, fearful or worried, meditate on and claim God's promises. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." When situations appear hopeless we wait expectantly on God's timing remembering His faithfulness. Romans 8:24-25 says, "For in this hope we were saved." "But hope that is seen is no hope at all." "Who hopes for what they already have?" "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

Finally, for peace of mind in all situations we recall Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

So, as we welcome a new year and a new decade, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit," Romans 15:13.

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