A prayer.  A praise.  A promise.  And a hope.

As we close out the year, many are closing out their reading plans for 2021. From the final chapters of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs, we are given a prayer, a praise, a promise and a hope as we head into 2022:

First, a promise (or a warning): “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘The day of judgement is coming, burning like a furnace.  On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw.  They will be consumed – roots, branches, and all.  But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.  And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.’”  (Malachi 4:1-2)

Truly, friends, the best is yet to come!  Not because of the flipping of a calendar page, but rather because for those in Christ Jesus, we know how the story – our story – ends.   

This leads us to a praise: Psalm 150 speaks for itself, and may it be our heart’s greatest desire as we look on days past – and to days yet to come – knowing that in and through it all, He is worthy of our praise.  “Praise the Lord!  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!  Praise him for his mighty works; praise His unequaled greatness!…Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord!”  (Psalm 150:1-2, 6) 

As we praise Him for who He is and what He has done, we are reminded that this God is our God!  Whatever the coming days hold, we know that He holds them – and us!

This leads us to our hope and the outlook that WE can have for 2022: “She is closed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”  (Proverbs 31:25) 

And finally a prayer, representing all of creation’s greatest longing:  “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who hears this say, ‘Come.’  Let anyone who is thirsty come.  Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life…’  ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’” (Revelation 22:17, 20)

We can close this year out with peace.  And we can look ahead to the next with hope.  Why?  Because He is faithful.  He is God and forever reigns!  And may He reign in our hearts and our lives as we look for His coming.  

Happy New Year, friends!  “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:21)