As we look ahead to the new year we should all take some time to look back at 2023. It might have been a rough year for some people, It might have been a good year for others but like every other year it would have had its fair share of joys, griefs, ups and downs, challenges, and changes. The only thing that never changed throughout last year was the steadfast love of the Lord for us. Lamentations 3:22-23 says “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”

If there is one thing we can look forward to in 2024, that is the faithfulness and love of our Lord. They are new every morning and every day his mercies never come to an end. If you even made it through 2023 then remember that it was a gift from God. If you are going to make it through 2024 then it will be only due to the love and mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes the new year can bring with it regrets, of a year that could have been but for many of us it brings hope for what may be.

A new year means that there is a chance for all of us to have new hope. We can put the past behind us and look forward to the new year with hope and hope is the very core of being a Christian. Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Let us all remember that we believe in the God of Hope. Jesus Christ came into this world so that we may have hope. Jesus came not just to give us eternal life but also to give us life here on Earth.  Jesus said in John 10:10 “I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” So as we step into the new year let us not forget the fact that we have Jesus Christ coming into the new year with us.

No one can predict what is going to happen in 2024 but we can boldly step into the new year putting our hope and our trust in Jesus Christ, knowing that He will be with us no matter what. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”. In Christ, we are all a new creation, and as we face this new year together leaving our past, and our old selves behind, we hope that Christ can change our hearts and our minds next year so that we can walk in his ways in 2024. Happy New Year to all! To God be the glory!