There are many reasons why we should look forward to the New Year:
He has promised us a future. “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. (Jeremiah 29:11) Whatever hardships we may be going through at the moment, we must bear in mind that, although God allowed these to happen, they are neither His desire for us nor will they last forever. God called us for a purpose and His plans for us cannot be thwarted by any force on earth.
He has promised to be our strength. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) We are not alone. We never will be. While the people around us give us strength, their strength may fail. But there is an authority that no power on this earth can equal and no enemy can shatter: the strength of our Lord.
His Word never fails. “As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11) His promises are sure. If He has promised a future, then with our wholehearted obedience and submission, that future will surely come to pass. If He has promised to be our strength, no matter how seemingly overpowering the obstacles may be, we cannot be overwhelmed because He has promised us His strength.
Then let us take courage and be firm in our resolve. New Year has always been about beginnings. And with God on our side, together, we can rise from the ashes.
Have a blessed, victorious and glorious New Year!
Shalom, everyone! God bless the Philippines!