The Future is Bright

A young girl lies awake, unable to fall asleep. In mind her plays out, like a scene from a movie, her encounter earlier that day with a messenger of Elohim, sent to tell her that she will be the one to bear a boy child that will save the world.

She can hardly believe it. Of all people, her?

She goes through a myriad of feelings. Awe; of the magnitude of this responsibility, Joy; because God Himself asked this of her, Excitement; for what looks like a grand adventure.

And yet, there is something else: Dread. She considers her family and her bethrothed, and a little part of her can’t help but wonder; “What does the future hold?”

Over time, through various incidences (from losing her son for a few days in the midst of festivity, to watching him leave the house at age 30 to sleep in desserts and under tents, to watching him die a horrible death three years after), she will often find herself wondering;

“What, exactly, does the future hold?”

•••••••

As the year draws to a close, I find myself drawn to certain themes, some of which have been discussed over the past month on the blog. There have been themes of blessedness, of gratitude and of preparation.

However, especially considering the state of affairs in recent times, one that became recurrent is Hope – or perhaps the lack thereof.

It so happens that at the end of a phase (the year’s end, the end of a vacation or a stage in life), a question plays out in our minds: what next?

This question is usually accompanied by some sort of worry or dread. We find ourselves obsessing over how well or badly things have gone so far, and over how things will play out moving forward.

It brings to mind the lyrics of a song I’ve found myself playing on repeat in the past few weeks:

Stop crying about the pains ahead

Tomorrow will worry about itself

Jesus did it all and all is said

Now, just have faith and watch it fall into place

“The Future is Bright”
by Claudia Isaki.

It’s absolutely normal to be concerned about how you want the next year to be or not to be, even better if you have a blueprint or set of resolutions on what needs to be done. Nothing solid is built that is not planned.

However, there is need to call our hearts to attention, reminding ourselves of the truth: God owns the future.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?

Matthew 6:31

What, then, should be our focus?

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP)

God has given us a primary assignment. So whether you’re about to enter a new year, a new season in life, or even just a new day, our call as believers is to rest in His promises for us, channel our energy into advancing His Kingdom – and watch as He provides all we need.

Like Mary, our job is surrender.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38 (KJV)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Reader,

Thank you for a wonderful 2023. We pray this new year ushers in much more of God’s divine mercies and favour, and we wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Joyous New Year.

See you in 2024!

Love, Team IPS. ❤️