Romans 15:13  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)

—

Many, if not most, of today’s discussions will focus on what will happen next year. Next year is intimately close as I write these words. Only hours remain in this neatly square-numbered year. 

How will we make the most of it? 

Reflection is good. Reviewing lessons learned and achievements gained is a good start. Prayers answered and answers still in process provide perspective. Challenges and shortcomings are informative. 

Preparation is good. What will you do in the coming year that will honor God and serve others? What is your single biggest dream or goal? What problem do you want to solve? What opportunity lies there waiting for you to seize it?

How will you translate these ideas into action steps you can take daily or weekly in the first ninety days of the New Year?

As you and I ponder these thoughts and record our reflections, may we do so with the blessing found in the verse above. 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Nothing provides confidence and courage like acknowledging God’s clear purpose and guidance. We live a most blessed life when we recognize God’s work in us and through us. This is a good day to thank God for the joy and peace of the past year. Recall special moments. Relive treasured experiences. Remember his strength and the hope it provided. 

Anticipate more of the same. Learn to live in the overflow of God’s grace, mercy, and kindness. 

The previous sentence is a prayer I pray on behalf of some special people. I want them to see God for who he is and for what he is doing in their lives, even though they don’t yet acknowledge him as the source. I pray that their eyes would be opened and their hearts made ready to receive his gracious gift of a full and meaningful life. 

This verse shapes my prayer for you as well. I want you to know an ever-increasing measure of God’s joy and peace. I want you to learn how completely trustworthy he is in all things. I want you to live from an overflowing abundance of hope as he takes more and more room in the seat of your affections. 

May today provide a gracious ending. May tomorrow initiate a glad beginning. May the year ahead overflow with hope as the Holy Spirit directs our steps, shapes our thoughts, and empowers our service. 

—

I will pray from a place of joy and peace as I anticipate the Holy Spirit’s empowering and the steady hope he places in my heart and mind.

—

Our Father, how good you are to me! Your kindness has touched every part of my life. Your mercy and grace fill my life to overflowing. Your peace gives me hope for all that lies ahead. Empower me with your Holy Spirit for a life that is full of your purpose and meaningful to everyone I meet. Amen.