Happy New Year!

Here we are, almost to the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. For some, they can’t wait to get out of 2022. For others, they don’t want to leave because they are unsure of what 2023 will bring.

It’s interesting because this holiday can bring diametrically different feelings to everyone.

For so many, the thought of another year is overwhelming because they feel nothing will change.

Maybe you feel that way?

For others, the thought of another year brings exhilarating feelings of what can be and the hope of more good things.

Maybe you feel this way?

However, you are feeling there’s good news. Our foundation as Christ’s followers is built on who Jesus is. So, our past can be redeemed, our present matters and our future is promised.

It’s from Jesus that our emotions, feelings, achievements, losses, and more have healing and purpose. It’s from Jesus that we have hope and a place to stand firm throughout our lives.

This is massive because right now, nothing is stable except God. Nothing is predictable except God. Nothing can be fully satisfied except God. Nothing can give greater meaning except God.

This is just one reason why in Jesus “we live, we move and we have our being,” Acts 16:28.

He’s our everything and from Him, everything works together for our good.

So, no matter if 2022 was bad, he’s working it out for your good in 2023. If everything was great, He’s working it for your good in 2023.

This is true because we base our lives on Him and then we put His word in our hearts as the promises He gives us.

God’s word is God speaking to you and me.

Therefore, when we read it, we can stand on it as His will and desire for our lives. With this being said, here are some promises we can stand on for 2023.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”‬

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬

“The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

Psalms‬ ‭138‬:‭8‬

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬

These are promises for you and me going into 2023. It’s from this that we have His truth and the expectation we can have in life.

This is not false hope but rather a firm foundation that is tested, tried, and true. In fact, if God didn’t for at least one person, He can do it for you.

So, what can God do for you in 2023?

Dare to reach up and believe it. Dare to reach up and receive it.

Here’s how:

Get verses that apply to you and begin to get them in your heart by reading them daily and then memorizing them. Develop a habit to speak out loud over yourself daily. Let your ears hear your voice say the promise of God over yourself.

I say it this way, we need to talk to ourselves more than we listen to ourselves.

But what do we say to ourselves?

The word of God! His promises! His truth and His will for our lives.

I encourage you as we enter into 2023, to let God’s word fill your heart. Let Him move in you with His truth. When it’s great, give him praise. When it’s going bad, give him praise. He’s working out His good plans for your life.

Jesus loves you and because of him, the best is yet to come!

Happy New Year!
PD