Joyful in Hope!

Wow! A new year begins! So many promises, adventures, and challenges await each of us!

We want to start off on our best foot, so we celebrate New Years Eve and Day. We try to start off happy and optimistic.

Psalm 100:2 tells us that we are to, “Serve the Lord with gladness!”

So, from way back in the days of the Old Testament prophets and kings, we are encouraged to live life joyfully and to be encouraged daily. Granted, this is not always easy.

“And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.” Psalm 35:9

We can think, “Ya, but back then life was simple, and they didn’t have the issues and challenges we face today.”  That is true in the sense of society in general, such as technology, internet, identity theft, etc., etc., etc. But they had the same human nature that we have and had to keep their tempers down and their spirits right towards those around them and their everyday challenges of life.

None of us know what this year will hold for us, but we can rest assured that nothing will take God by surprise, and He is in control of the entire world no matter what happens to our individual lives, our families, or our nation.

“So don’t allow your hearts to grow dull or lose your enthusiasm but follow the example of those who fully received what God has promised because of their strong faith and patient endurance.” “We have this certain hope like a strong unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself.” Hebrews 6:11-12; 19a Passion Translation

I just read this quote, and it encourages me as I look ahead to the New Year 2025.

“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving: to reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor”. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Set your sail the best you can and sail on with joyful hope! Happy New Year!