2024 Will Be Great!
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.
He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
2024 will be a great year! 2024 will not be a perfect, comfortable, or easy year! This world does not regularly experience words like perfect, relaxing, or easy. While challenging, next year will be better than the year before. Am I not one of those shallow, self-help gurus who say simply, “Envision it, and it will come to you.” Instead, my optimism is two-fold. First, I lean on history for confidence in a great year. Second, I try never to forget that God continues to work in our world.
First, let us address history. The present world, at its worst, is still better than any other point in history. Not for every single person and every situation, but on the whole, life continues to improve. Global health care, technology, and even war have more accountability than in decades and centuries past. I just finished reading the book Berlin by Sinclair McKay. McKay’s book reminded me of the arrogance, loss, and despair in Berlin during and immediately after World War II. The detailed descriptions of the hardship and political manipulations made me grateful for the present moment.
While the Ukraine and Gaza are blown out like war-torn Berlin, the global impact is not as pervasive, and we can expect a quicker recovery. God, through the hand of the Holy Spirit, works for good. Painful situations continue in our imperfect world, but the Holy Spirit works each day to bring new hope to a needy world. Healing continues to be a process made slower by human mistrust and injustice. As we embrace God’s divine care, the world can improve faster.
Today, pray for the spiritual gift of optimism in an often treacherous world. Do your history review while honestly reviewing the benefits of our present moment. Then, reflect on your history with the Holy Spirit. Review your faith and commitment to God and the efficacy of the Holy Spirit. When we reflect on God’s ongoing care, hope and trust will transform 2024 into a blessed year.