What are you hoping for this next year?
A new job? Stronger relationships? The security of a home? What about the support of family and friends?
We are all hoping for something, especially something we can count on. Each New Year we hope and dream for a better year, but upon what is our hope based?
I say this because my confidence has been rocked recently by an unstable world filled with imperfect people and I’ve had to face an unpleasant truth: at some point earthly hopes will disappoint us. Jobs fall through. Homes are lost. People fail us.
And what then?
“. . . blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. . .” Jeremiah 17:7
I am so grateful that God always comes through and He offers a few things we can count on for 2013:
He promises to provide today’s needs. “. . . put [your] hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. . . ” (I Tim 6:17)
He promises a heavenly home that cannot be taken–not even touched–by earthly tumult. “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (II Peter 3:13)
And He is a Friend who will never fail us. “. . . he will never leave you nor forsake you . . .” (Deuteronomy 31:6,8)
So whether jobless, homeless, or friendless, He will provide food for our tables, shelter for our families, and fellowship for our hearts, for God is always there for us,
– never failing,
– never forsaking,
– never abandoning us to perish alone on the battlefield of life.
He is Immanuel, God with us. And He will be with us this next year, through every high, every low, every inch of it.
So let’s cast our anchor and sink it deep into the bedrock of that hope–one that never disappoints–and place our confidence in the One who never fails.
We all have some sort of expectation as we consider the upcoming year. What’s yours?
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Comments 13
Bethany, as I’ve watched your recent circumstances, it is evident that you are anchored in our Lord.
As for my expectations this coming year? I’ve learned to expect the unexpected! And know that God is in it all.
He is indeed in it all, I’m so thankful! 🙂
With you on that all the way!
Oh, Peg, not sure if I should praise the Lord or cry with you! No matter, everything that drives us to His feet is GOOD, yes?
Absolutely good – in His hands. In ours – not so much! But your experience at putting things in His hands is rich. Praying for His cover!
Such wonderful reminders Bethany! Very nice!!!
Thanks, Chrissy. 🙂
Thanks, Bethany. This was a blessing. I’m praying for you.
Thanks, Susan. I’m so glad you were blessed by it. I’m blessed by YOU and how you’ve anchored in the Rock amidst your own storm.
Love these anchoring thoughts, dear friend. God again used you to encourage. Keep pressing on for the goal. Let’s continue together!
Amen, Peg. And “together” sounds really good to me! 🙂
Very true.
I am so thankful it is true, but alas, It usually takes hard experience to make it real for us!