Facing a New Year with Hope

Does your life feel hopeless right now? Dreading this new year because of what it potentially holds? Is your life on a trajectory you never would’ve wanted?

I don’t know what you’ve walked through, but I know this:

Suffering impacts us deeply.

The last several years I’ve faced a lot of different types of pain. I’ve experienced the deepest heartache, betrayal, and disappointments I’ve known. It's impossible to summarize all the things that have happened. But as for long-term impact, chronic illness has been the most life-shattering.

Many chronic illness sufferers find themselves stuck because life is no longer as it used to be. A job may be impossible because of severe symptoms. Perhaps marriage is no longer an option, or to have children. Unable to work, I had to return to live with my parents in my mid-20s, while my dad covered all my health and living expenses (not cheap!!). It was very discouraging for me as I wanted to be able to at least contribute to my own burden.

No matter your specific situation, if this new year feels more hopeless than hopeful, I want to encourage you through four ways...

Fear Meets Truth
One of ways to face the new year with hope is to combat fear with truth. Actively bring to mind the things you know to be true. Things like:

• God walks through the deepest waters with you (Is. 43:2).
• God is your refuge and strength (Ps. 46:1-3).
• Jesus emptied Himself that you might find lasting freedom and life (Phil. 2:6-8).
• God cares so much that He keeps count of your tears (Ps. 56:8).
• This is temporary (2 Cor. 4:17).

Despair Meets Comfort
No matter what you face today—you can experience comfort. Comfort in the presence of Jesus walking with you. Comfort knowing that this is will end. Comfort that God is in the process of redeeming the messiest situation. Comfort that it all has purpose. Turn and find comfort in the God who cares for you.

Longing Meets Fulfillment
Longing is part of living in a broken world. Loneliness, brokenness, and disappointment is normal, even for believers, and it may make this new year feel incredibly discouraging. But one day, all our longings will be completely fulfilled in Christ. For now, let the desperate longings help you to long for something better, something greater:

"...He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." 1 Pet. 1:3-4

Brokenness Meets Hope
Sometimes our disappointment comes from the brokenness within and around us. Lost job, shattered relationship, bankruptcy, abuse, betrayal, the death of a dream....the list goes on. The brokenness of the world hits hard, and there are very real difficulties to grieve over and wrestle with. Yet in the midst, we have to cling to where real hope is found:

“True lasting hope is never found horizontally. It’s only ever found vertically, at the feet of the Messiah, the One who is hope. Place your hopeful heart in his hands today.” Paul Tripp

No matter where 2018 left you, or what fears and hopes you timidly hold for 2019, remember that comfort can be found on the most uncertain of days. We have a Savior who entered our brokenness, took on our despair and longing, and made a way to destroy our fears and suffering forever.

Only in Christ can you face 2019 with hope.