Hope for the New Year

 

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. (Psalm 25:1–5 ESV).

 

We will welcome the beginning of a new year in just four days! For some this is very good news. This past year may have been very challenging for you. In fact, it may be that you look back and think, “I’m sure glad that’s over!” Regardless of past circumstances, we all look forward in hope to a new year filled with potential. However, if we do not know the source of hope, we may be very disappointed. It is through Scripture that we find God in Jesus meeting our deepest needs. So, it is in looking toward Jesus—the Savior who has come and who now reigns in heaven until the day he will come again, that we may find that unshakeable hope for the future.

 

The Apostle John saw that when he was given the Revelation of Jesus. Words can only begin to describe the power and glory of the ascended Savior. He is the Lord of life. John describes Jesus as standing in long flowing robes. Long robes were worn by royalty, or at times of celebration. They were a sign of victory, security, and work completed. A person fleeing danger or a worker could not be encumbered with a long robe. But Christ stands in flowing robes (cf. Revelation 1:4-15).

 

There is no threat to his kingdom; his redemptive work is fully accomplished. Children of this victorious King have eternal security. As we enter the New Year, may we all declare, “My only comfort in life and in death is that I belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ!”