Have you ever been to Times Square on New Year's Eve?
Are you one of the one million people that stand before Times Square bidding farewell to the past year? Have you braved the cold to see the balloons, confetti and fireworks?
I lived in NYC for most of my life, but I have yet to experience a "ball drop" and have confetti scattered all over me.
So what was I doing when the clock struck 12, for the past 30 somewhat years?
I was at church! For as long as I can remember, I spent every last minute of the last day of the year at church. New Year's Eve service at church was always a memorable one. This was a time to share stories (testimonies) of the past year. I actually looked forward to hearing what everyone had to say.
So, lets take a minute to build your own story for 2016.
How did your life compare to the previous years?
Were you blessed with immeasurable blessings, a new job, new baby or got married?
Was it a roller-coaster, with ups and downs? lost a job? lost a loved one?
Were you on fire for the Lord, serving him in every aspect of your life? Or did you not attend church at all except for Christmas?
Maybe it wasn't a perfect year, and you are pleading with God to give you a brighter, joyful and more hopeful 2017.
Whether good or bad, everyone at church who shared their story had one Bible verse to share - a promise that ultimately got them through the past year, and a promise that will take them to the new year ahead.
Regardless of how your year went, there are many biblical promises you can end your year off with, and start your New Year off fresh. These verses are equal for today, and tomorrow, because God's promises are timeless!
Here are seven verses that give strength, comfort and hope for this year and next.
Galatians 6:9
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Zepheniah 3:17
"For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."
James 1:2-4
"Count it all joy when you fall in various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
Isaiah 40:31
"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Philippians 4:6-7
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Here are seven trinkets of hope given to us through these verses.
1. Do not give up
2. Do not fear
3. You will prosper
4. The Lord delights in you
5. Trials will produce patience
6. You will find new strength
7. God's peace will guard you
Editor's note: This article was originally published on Sue Chacko's website. It has been modified and republished here with permission.
