Inspirational Message

Looking Toward the Future . . .
The Bright Hope of a New Year

As every year turns, we look towards the new year with anticipation, hoping that things are always better than the year before. We set goals and resolutions, create plans, put forth efforts to make dreams manifest. Regardless of what the past years have brought, we look towards the future with the bright hope of a new year.

Looking back at the past year, we can reflect on how challenges may have tried  our faith, patience and endurance, maybe appearing too much to bear or overcome. But, we must remember that through it all, God has us.

“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.”
(NIV-Jeremiah 29:11).

Our creator (GOD) has an established plan for each of us. A plan that gives us HOPE and a FUTURE! His pathway is already made. Psalms 37:23 states-

 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” (KJV)

God’s divine destiny for our life is already laid out. We can try to plan the perfect life…perfect business, perfection on our own terms, and hope that everything works out as planned, but without God, it is all in vain. When you pray and stay connected with God concerning all things in your life and let the Holy Spirit lead you and establish your steps, many things just seem to fall into place without stress, strain, or struggle. Why, because we want God’s will to be done in our lives (Matt. 6:9-10). We just have to want to submit and trust in God. Prov. 3:5-6 says– 

“Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways, submit to him, and he will direct thy paths.” (KJV)

And when we do, we will see God’s perfect will done in our lives.

See, the hope and the future that God has for us, is given to us through our life in Christ Jesus. When, Christ came to save us from our sins, God’s plan for the hope and future of mankind was put into action by the shedding of Christ’s blood. It is through his sacrifice, that we are able to obtain the promises of God and solidify our relationship with him.

In John 10:10, Jesus told his disciples,

“ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”- (KJV)

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus wants only the best for his flock, as God wants for his children. When we follow Christ, keep God’s laws and commandments, and live life in the Spirit, we will begin to see the promises of God come to pass. 

Understanding the will of God for his children is understanding that he loves us. When we look toward the future, the future that God has planned for us, it should look much brighter. As we continue throughout the new year regardless of the ups and downs, (being a believer does not mean that we are exempt from all of life’s challenges) let us keep our minds stayed on him. On Christ. Our hope. And let us carry him with us into the bright hope of a new year.