We enter 2025 with differing opinions of how 2024 went for us. For some, it was a year of victories and blessings; for others, it was a year of challenges and setbacks; for the majority, it was likely a mix of both.
So, what should we expect for this fresh new year? It’s hard to know what the future will bring–that’s why the best bet is to view our future in light of God’s unchanging character.
To illustrate, let’s look to the book of Lamentations. To put it mildly, the author of that book, Jeremiah, had experienced a truly bad previous year (several years, in fact). Jeremiah had faithfully warned God’s people that they would inevitably face disaster if they continued to treat Him with indifference and contempt. Indeed, Jeremiah’s prophecies proved true, but that brought him no pleasure. Lamentations is the mournful cry of a broken-hearted man weeping over the anguish of God’s people as they reap the awful consequences of their repeated sinful choices.
The Holy Spirit led Jeremiah to deliberately structure the book in a way that highlights a particular point near the middle of the book. On both sides of that center, Lamentations expresses waves of sorrow. However, the centrally located verses of chapter 3.21-26 begin with the incredible words, “Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope.”
Those words grab the attention of the reader, calling us to pay attention to what is said next.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’”
Those words reveal the key to engaging anything we might encounter in this new year. While we are tempted to see things in the context of the brokenness we have experienced, God calls us to remember that our future is not dependent on our experiences, nor should those experiences define our understanding of His character.
Instead, God calls us to remember who He is, and then interpret our experiences accordingly. He is always faithful, always compassionate, always newly present with us; our role is to trust His heart and wait on His unfolding plans.
In short, God’s faithfulness is the lens through which we view all of life. It is a principle echoed throughout the Bible:
“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36.5)
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3.11)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8.28)
As you move into 2025, be freshly encouraged that in all things, our God remains faithful in every moment and every situation. Trust Him!