New Year, New Hope, New Opportunities
Saying goodbye to the old year can be joyous and sometimes bitter sweet. You may have encountered hardships during the past year that have left you feeling sad or without hope, such as health concerns, family/relationship matters, loss of a loved one, career or finance problems. Perhaps you’re weary from unfulfilled dreams, national/world chaos, violence or societal problems. We have all experienced life’s highs, lows, joys, and sadness throughout the year. But, when we stop to think about it, there have also been many blessings. 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 is a time for new hope and new opportunities. Scripture reminds us that God is the God of hope, Romans 15:13. Believers are to put their hope in the Lord, and trust His will for them. We can renew our strength by recalling God’s word, speaking them and standing on His promises.
For our unanswered prayers, we pray that God’s will be done. We must be in agreement with God. He tells us to first seek His kingdom of righteousness, then all these things will be added, Matt. 6:33. Always speak positively, calling things that are not as though they were, Romans 4:17. Writing down our prayers and dreams in a journal are also helpful to keep it before our eyes. In weary times, when 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. 2 Corinthians says, “Walk by faith, not by sight.” 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.”
As for new opportunities, in addition to having financial or personal dreams and goals, the new year is the perfect time to join church, return to church, or join a bible study. It is an opportunity to mature in God’s word. Scripture reminds us that God’s word teaches us what is true, makes us realize what is wrong in our lives, corrects us when we are wrong, teaches us to do what is right, prepares and equips us to do every good work, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. No matter how much we think we know, we can never learn enough about God’s word. Other opportunities include doing good to everyone, especially those who are in the household of faith, Galatians 6:10. Give whenever you can, serve where ever you can! And most importantly, take the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins with as many as you can!
So, as we welcome a new year, new hope and new opportunities, “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. And remember regarding our opportunities, we must work the works of Him who sent us as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work, John 9:4.
Food for Today
1 Peter 1:3 - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Picture Courtesy
Beautiful dramatic sunrise - DG FotoStock/ShutterStock
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