Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
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. Phil. 1:6 NLT
Heavenly Father, it’s the last day of 2019, and our hearts are filled with many thoughts, a variety of emotions, and genuine gratitude. What a complex, longing-fueling year it’s been. There were big joys, unexpected turns, plenty of vexation.
As the New Year begins within hours, some will rely on resolutions and re-dedications; new schedules and rigorous discipline. But our primary resolution for 2020 is to abandon ourselves, again and again, to the riches of grace and intimacy with Jesus—who is our “righteousness, sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30), “the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5), the Lord who is making “all things new” (Rev. 21:5).
Indeed, our hope is built on nothing less, more, or other than Jesus—and every good thing we have in him. Jesus is our boast and bounty, treasure and delight, our sanity and our peace.
During every day of 2019, you have been faithful, loving, and present—even when we questioned your ways, or didn’t feel close to you. Though we worried and whined, you were/are always working in all things, for our good and your glory. Thank you, Father.
As we begin 2020, help us discern between the good and the best, the non-essential and the essential, and the eternal and the temporary. What relationships and missions would you have us invest more in more fully? What stories, heartaches, and people must we trust you with, Father?
No matter what else happens in the New Year, please make Jesus bigger and more beautiful to us. Oh that 2020 might be the year you choose to send him back. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ reigning, righting, and righteous name.
