Throughout Scripture, God’s people are instructed to mark the passage of time with regular memorials of His providence and provision. Seven times a year, the Jewish people observed ceremonial feasts ordained by God.
Christians also commemorate key events. We honor Jesus’ first advent, His crucifixion and resurrection, and the “last supper,” marking a new covenant in His body and blood. We gather each “Lord’s Day,” as the early disciples did — celebrating each week His validation of the good news of the Gospel.
Thankfully, God has given us seasons of life so we can appreciate the progression of our lives and the tender mercies He showers down upon us. “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works” (Psalm 145:9).
The transition from one year to another presents yet another kindness of Almighty God. We are compelled to consider that we’ve lingered yet another year on the earth and realize that a brand new year — filled with unknown challenges and opportunities — lies ahead. And most of us are more than ready to turn the page.
Looking back on the past year or two, we might be tempted to give in to pessimism about the state of our nation. Indeed, the signs of decline and discouragement are all around us. Conversely, others are determined to see the world through rose-colored glasses, intent to remain oblivious to the moral and spiritual carnage growing year by year. But neither extreme is appropriate for a child of God.
As I’ve quoted before, followers of Jesus Christ are neither pessimists nor optimists. We know that God will work all things together for our good and His glory, so we can’t be pessimistic. Yet, we also understand that the world will grow darker and darker as the end draws near, so we can’t be optimistic about the trajectory of the world around us.
Instead, we are people of hope. Our hope is not some ephemeral thing based on the whim of man or the compulsions of fate. As Edward Mote wrote in 1834, Our hope is built “on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness” — His, not ours. The world will indeed grow darker, but our eyes are fixed on our Blessed Hope — Jesus Christ.
In the fullness of time, He has promised to make all things new. Soon — very soon — He will burst from the heavens, and we will be caught up to join Him in new glorified bodies. When that happens, the old will be swept aside, and we will be new — forevermore.
I can hardly wait!
This article is very encouraging. Thank you.
So True. Revelation 21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. God also promised Isaiah that he would create a new and eternal earth. Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life…will be united to live there forever.
I am a chaplain and alcohol drug counselor at the Santa Barbara County Jail in California.
If I have ever need encouragement, this essay gave me exactly what I needed! I will carry these words with me to recount daily. Yes, we are “people of hope.” Amen and Amen!!
Thank you for getting me back on track! Your writing is excellent.
Gratefully, Chaplain Jo Anne
So good to hear the article was a blessing to you!
Thank you for your words of hope and encouragement. The telling of the truth is so key today. These words are surely needed with what is happening in our world. The Word of the Lord (the Bible) is our foundation in which we stand.
Outstanding article by Tim Moore. I forwarded to several friends and relatives.
Lamb and Lion does a very good job on their Lamplighter magazine full of scripture, prophecy, and beautiful pictures. I believe that people really identify with seeing the pictures of the biblical times and also the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who is our Lord and Savior. HE IS OUR BLESSED HOPE. He is coming back as the Lion next time, not a Lamb, to pass judgment on sin. Children identify with pictures of bible times, it gives them the vision of things that took place in the ancient bible days, and what is to come.
I appreciate the focus on having a balanced attitude concerning our current times. It is definitely true that things are getting darker, but we have to keep our eyes on our blessed hope.
I have been very discouraged in the past 6 months because many prophecy teachers are warning that persecution is ahead. It is very difficult to maintain a focus on what we have to look forward to. I have had to stop listening to prophecy teaching because I cannot keep my fear under control. More and more are predicting horrible persecution before the Rapture and we are told to “get ready for persecution” and to “be prepared”. How exactly are we supposed to do that?
Even with fear being blasted at us 24/7 by the media, I feel that more fear is being poured on by many prophecy teachers. I also hear several of them saying that if I feel fear, it is because I lack faith. Why aren’t they telling me how to increase and strengthen my faith? I feel that they are shaming and guilting me. One recent message by a well-known prophecy teacher included a statement to the effect that “if you are afraid after what has happened in the last 2 years, how are you going to handle it when things get worse?”
I don’t know how to handle or process something like that. Is there something lacking in my spiritual life? How do I stop the fear from consuming me? I know I am not the only one who feels this way.
Beth, as Christians secure in our salvation, we have nothing to fear, but are given a well of hope as we stand on the Rock of Ages. The Apostle Paul has three good verses to live by:
Philippians 1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Colossians 1:23
if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.
How do we grow in a relationship with a God we cannot see, only feel? The answer is personal spiritual disciplines. To know God is to know His Word by reading the Bible daily. Not reading the Bible is like being on a football team yet never reading the playbook. Reading the Bible is essential. Prayer can be hard at times, so for help pray along with David by praying through a Psalm. That will get you started. Christians need to fellowship with each other in Bible study in groups and in church for accountability and group worship. Serve others in Christian love. As you grow in these disciplines your trust in God will deepen, and so too will your walk with your Savior. Your doubts and fears will begin evaporating. When you give everything over to God, even your fears, you’ll know His peace and joy.