Facing the New Year with Hope in God Alone

This past year was one of turmoil, division, violence, wars, inflation, invasion and catastrophic disasters. So what will we be facing in the new year?

On Jan. 20, we will inaugurate Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States. As of this writing, many of his cabinet picks are unconventional. The team he is assembling conveys that in Washington, D.C., it will not be business as usual. What will the impact be nationally? And how will the world respond? While some are filled with stark apprehension, many are filled with hopeful anticipation. Yet no one knows the answers to these questions.

Life is hard. But this is what I know. Whatever the circumstances, personally or politically or nationally, as we face the new year, our hope is not in Washington. Our hope is in God.

Read Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

WE HAVE HIS PRESENCE—The Lord your God in your midst

In what circumstance does Psalm 23:4 promise God’s presence? Apply this to your life.

What are the circumstances in which Isaiah 43:1-2 promises you will have God’s presence? Which of these have you experienced in the past? Which applies to you at present?

What fears do you have? What weakness are you experiencing? What help do you need? How do Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 118:6-7 encourage you?

As you face the new year, take a moment now to thank God for the promise of His presence.

WE HAVE HIS POWER—The Mighty One

As God goes before you into the new year, what three things will He champion? See Psalm 45:4.

What are some mighty deeds He has done or will do with His right hand? Exodus 15:6; Psalm 17:7; 18:35; 21:8; 48:10; 63:8; 139:7-10; Song of Solomon 2:6; Isaiah 48:13.

Regardless of what you face in the new year, what encouragement do you receive from God’s promise in 1 Peter 1:3-5?

Who will acclaim the supremacy of His power at the end of human history, in Revelation 5:11-14? What one word in verse 13 indicates that no one will be exempt or excluded from this acclamation?

As you face the new year, take a moment now to praise Him because you know that everything you encounter will be within His power to handle.

WE HAVE HIS PEACE—He will quiet you with His love

What sin do you need to confess, what reconciliation do you need to seek with someone, in order to claim His peace? Isaiah 32:17.

How should His peace and demeanor be reflected in us? Isaiah 42:1-4; 1 Peter 2:23.

What is one key to having peace in the new year? Isaiah 48:18; John 16:33.

As you face the new year, would you recommit yourself to reading, applying, and living out His Word each day, that you might experience His peace?

WE HAVE HIS PLEASURE—He will rejoice over you with singing

In what way does Song of Solomon 2:4 indicate God is publicly pleased with you?

On what is God’s pleasure in you based, according to Jeremiah 31:3?

What has His pleasure in you prompted Him to do for you? Luke 12:32; Ephesians 1:4-5; Philippians 2:13.

When God is pleased with you, how does this impact your family for generations? Psalm 103:17.

As you face the new year, would you make it your aim to live for His pleasure? 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

Read Zephaniah 3:17 once again. Would you praise God as you face the new year because whatever takes place, you can be confident you have His presence, His power, His peace and His pleasure? And how can you be sure of that? Because He says so! ©2025 Anne Graham Lotz

Anne Graham Lotz has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 40 years. Her newest book, which she co-authored with her daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright, is Preparing to Meet Jesus—Moving From Salvation to Transformation. It can be ordered from major booksellers online.