Now that we’ve “rung in the New Year,” are we ready for a lasting celebration? When many of us assembled here on New Year’s Eve, the impression I got was that almost everyone enjoyed our time together. I suspect many people were also assembled elsewhere to celebrate the new year, and in all likelihood, they enjoyed their festivities as well. But are we ready for something more substantial?
Psalms 32:11 – 33:1 “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! The Sovereignty of the LORD in Creation and History 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.”
Throughout scripture, a common encouragement to the faithful is to rejoice. Often, when someone points this out, someone else will counter that point by reciting the growing list of troubles in the world – politics, economics, crime, hunger, and so on. But the essential aspect in that dialogue is that the Bible acknowledges these as well. Scripture tells us to rejoice, while also warning us that this physical life will be difficult and the world will be plagued with all manner of problems. Even when God addresses sinful Israel in the book of Isaiah, He buffers the catastrophic prophecy with assurances of peace and deliverance.
Now, thousands of years later, troubles still exist in the world, but more importantly, so do God’s promises. The concept of rejoicing is advised in scripture over 200 times, leading us to the logical conclusion that we have something for which to be joyful. So, as we consider our walk of faith, do we count happily giving glory to God as part of our obedient service? Do we realize that displaying the honest appearance of someone who has received wonderful gifts is an essential part of the Christian life?
As we enter heartily into this new year, will it be possible that Peter’s words can be spoken of us? 1 Peter 1:7b-8 …of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory…
— Martin Kent Miller