A New Year’s Look Both Ways
I'm convinced my neck will be sore tomorrow. No, I haven't been doing any strange exercises or sleeping in an awkward position. I've simply been doing what most of us do this time of year—looking backwards and forward so much that I'm starting to feel like an owl!
The transition between years always seems to trigger this response in us, doesn't it? We find ourselves simultaneously reflecting on the past year's events while peering anxiously into the unknown future. It's like trying to watch two tennis matches at once. It's exhausting but somehow impossible to resist.
As I look back over 2024, I can't help but smile at God's faithfulness. Sure, there were trials. My health issues didn't suddenly disappear, and our ministry in Wales continues to be challenging. But nestled between those difficulties were countless blessings: new friendships formed at the chapel, breakthrough moments in Bible study, and even Tess learning not to bark at every dog that passes our bungalow (well, almost).
The Bible tells us, "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High" (Psalm 92:1). Looking back with gratitude isn't just a nice suggestion; it's a command that brings joy to our hearts and glory to God. Even in our trials, we can find reasons to praise Him. That illness? It drew you closer to Him. That financial struggle? It taught you to trust His provision. That disappointment? It redirected you to something better.
But what about looking forward? I'll admit, sometimes I peer into the future with all the confidence of a cat approaching a swimming pool. Will this be the year Wales experiences revival? Will my health improve? Will I finally write and publish that bestselling book?
Yet Scripture reminds us, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11). God already knows what 2025 holds, and He's not wringing His hands in worry. He's got plans—good plans—for each of us.
So, as we stand at this threshold between years, let's look back with grateful hearts, counting our blessings and acknowledging God's faithfulness in our trials. And let's look forward with hope, knowing that the same God who brought us through 2024 will be right there with us in 2025. Just remember to do your looking in moderation. Neck strain is real, my friends!
Happy New Year, everyone! May your backward glances be grateful and your forward looks be filled with faith.