As this year draws to a close, it is natural to want to look back. There were lessons learned and mistakes made. But we also should want to celebrate our successes. No matter how challenging 2021 has been, there were some good things that happened. We should be grateful for what the year has brought us and taught us.

But we also ought to be looking forward to 2022. None of us knows exactly what’s waiting for us on the other side of the calendar change, but we can be expectant. We can expect God’s providence. We can expect goodness and mercy to follow us into the new year. We can look forward to a promised hope and future.

I know that this last year was full of challenges, and I suspect 2022 will have challenges of its own. But I also know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. I know that the God who carried me through all my yesterdays can get me through whatever arises in days to come.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Happy New Year!