On New Year’s Eve last year, we were all cheering the end of 2020. We were hopeful that 2021 would be a better year.
In many ways, it has been a better year. The Trump Administration is out of office, but then there was January 6th. The Braves won the World Series, but we lost Henry Aaron. The vaccine and the booster have saved lives, but COVID is still raging.
Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 provides great advice as we move into a new year. He reminds us to rejoice always. Rejoicing always does not mean that we are sugar coating things but what it does mean is we have the peace of God with us. Giving us the opportunity to view life for what it is a gift from the Lord that is so lovely, so powerful and so extraordinary that even in the bad times we can rejoice. Paul goes on to tell us to pray without ceasing. Being rejoiceful means that we have a relationship with God. Prayer builds that relationship, Moses prayed, your grandmother prayed, and let’s be clear Jesus prayed as well.
Giving thanks in all circumstances is the continuation of the advice of Paul. Being thankful is the essence of our rejoicing. Because happiness and thankfulness are intertwined rejoicings. When giving thanks to the Lord we are rejoicing.
Finally, Paul in verse 18 tells us that praying without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances and Rejoicing always is the will of God.
So, as we count down the hours to the start of a new year, let us rejoice not because we expect 2022 will be any better but because the will of God gives us the hope that despite all the crap of 2021 and the difficulties that we can clearly see on the horizon of 2022, God is still in control and for that let us rejoice.
Blessings, Peace, and Love during this Rejoiceful new year.
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