Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
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 2018, and our hearts are filled with many thoughts, multiple emotions, and genuine hope. What a complex, vexing, longing-fueling year it has been. There were huge joys and predictable disappointments. Both stir our longings for Jesus’ second coming.
As the new year will begin within hours, Father, our primary resolution for 2019 to is to abandon ourselves more fully to the riches of the gospel and to 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).
Some rely on resolutions and re-dedications; and promises to do more and try harder. But our hope is built on nothing less, more, or other than Jesus and every good thing we have in him. Jesus is our only boast and riches, our confidence and joy, our sanity and peace. For so great, free, and complete a salvation, we praise, bless, and adore you.
Father, during 2018, you were always faithful, loving, and present, even when we questioned your ways and, at times, felt distant from your heart. Though we worried and whined, you were/are always working in all things, for our good and your glory. Thank you.
As we begin 2019 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 circumstances, heartaches, and people must we simply trust you with, Father?
No matter what else happens in the new year, please make Jesus bigger and more beautiful in our gaze. Oh, that 2019 might be the year you will send him back. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ reigning, righting, and righteous name.
