The Promise I Have in Christ for 2012

2012 has begun. There is no way to know what...

stories
joys
sorrows
trials
adventures
successes
failures
memories

...will be told on December 31st 2012 recalling the events of the year. For some this may be terrifying, paralyzing, down right mind-numbing so you may think it's best to not think about it at all. This mindset will try to take the blows of life as they come and have wishful thinking for a better 2013. But deep down they know a new year will be just like the last; discouraging, meaningless, frustrating, and altogether hopeless.

How despairing

So why is it that I (or any Christian) do not have to despair at the start of a new year?

It's only because of Christ that I been thinking about the coming year with great anticipation- because He knows and is sovereignly reigning over the outcome. It's only because of Christ that I can be thankful for the memories to be shared- because He is a good God who meets every need of His children. It's only because of Christ that I will look back upon the days or months or possibly year of potential trials and suffering with unwavering contentment, unmeasurable peace, and unconditional joy- because Christ has carried a much greater load of pain and sorrow, even to the point of death, than I will ever have to. And therefore He is the One I confide in to draw strength from by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In Christ the fullness of joy is found.
In Christ the completeness of every want is fulfilled.
In Christ the weak are made strong.
In Christ the burdened are set free.
In Christ the weary are comforted.
In Christ the sick are made well.
In Christ we have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved on the day of His return.
In Christ our hearts are changed and will continue to be changed into greater likeness of Him who died for our sins, defeated death by rising again, and is now reigning at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.

So 2012....because of Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I gladly welcome you.