Facing the New Year as a Christian

/ Christopher Terry

We have begun a new year, 2023. A new year is something that even unbelievers in the world anticipate. Why is that? It’s because a new year is met with hope. Maybe this year will be better than last year, or so the thinking goes. Christians think the same type of things. Brothers and sisters, we as believers face trouble in this life. The Lord Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). The difficulties we face should not surprise us. This is a fallen world. Yet, in the midst of it all, God is at work and his grace overflows to his people. The Lord causes even the painful and difficult moments to work together for our spiritual good (Rom. 8:28). He works sovereignly to cause us to grow in Christlike maturity, wisdom, and perseverance (Rom. 5:1-5).

So, this new year every believer will experience trouble. Some will be the result of our own sinful choices. Some will be the result of the sinful choices of others. Some will be because we will live in a fallen world that has been cursed as a judgment for sin (Gen. 3:17-18; Rom. 8:20-22). Yet, the Lord will not abandon you amid such trouble. If you know him, through faith in his Son Jesus Christ, you have entered into a covenant relationship with him. Born again believers are members of the New Covenant through Jesus’ blood (Heb. 9:15; 8:6; 2 Cor. 3:6; cf. Matt. 26:28). The Lord is our God and we are his people.

Brothers and sisters, Christ has called you to live for his glory and honor. You and I are to become more and more like Christ. We are to live each moment of each day in light of the truth, Christ is Lord. As you begin this new year, remember these truths:

  • Jesus is Lord over all (Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23).
  • Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33b).
  • Jesus causes all things to work together for our spiritual good (Rom. 8:28).
  • Jesus has caused us to be a part of the New Covenant. We are his people, bought with his blood (1 Cor. 11:23-26; 6:19-20).
  • Jesus will never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5b-6; Rom. 8:31-39).

As a result of these truths:

  • Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matt. 22:37).
  • Obey God’s commands out of love for him (John 14:15; 15:10; cf. 1 John 2:3; John 14:24).
  • Think in a Christlike, biblical way (Phil. 2:5-10; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5).
  • Live in a Christlike, biblical way (1 John 2:6; 1 Pet. 1:15; Col. 2:6).
  • Proclaim the gospel and make disciples (Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 1:28-29).
  • Contend for the faith (i.e. God’s truth handed down to us; Jude 3).

Believers, as we have these truths in mind we are able to face the new year with the mind of Christ.