Entering 2026 With Hope
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
What is your frame of mind as you enter 2026? Are you troubled by burdens you are carrying from the old year into the new one? Are you anticipating some new struggles or difficulties in the new year? Perhaps you are full of joyful anticipation for a wonderful year.
Most New Year celebrations focus on expectations of new and wonderful things to come as a new year is ushered in. This is good because we never want to lose hope for a better future. But after the memories of the celebrations fade away reality will soon set in and we will realize 2026 will have its share of trouble, like every previous year. Persecution of Jesus followers in some places will intensify. Artificial Intelligence will play an increasingly significant role in societies with some very unfortunate outcomes. Terrorists will continue to plot destruction. Loved ones will get sick and die.
We live in a world that is horribly broken and in need of someone to fix it. History is a record of terrible tragedies and events as well as wonderful stories of survival and victory. God's people, have a unique perspective on the world and world events and thus generally have a positive view of the future.
The Israelites spent 400 years in slavery in Egypt but never lost sight of living in the promised land.
Down through the centuries wherever Jewish people have celebrated the Passover Seder they conclude the event with this hope filled statement: "Next Year in Jerusalem."
Throughout the Old Testament period prophets kept the vision of Messiah alive despite wars, captivity, famine etc.
A light in the sky kept the Magi moving toward their destination despite the arduous months of travel and danger they faced along the way.
Jesus followers today are equally positive about our future. Some of the reasons for optimism are:
Jesus told us we would have trouble but the good news is he specializes in comforting and helping people in trouble.
We have an assignment to go and make disciples that has never been rescinded. There is great joy when we participate in helping someone find their place is God's great story and realize we have played a role that will have eternal consequences.
Jesus has promised to come again so we watch in hopeful anticipation of his coming to restore his creation and to make everything function as it was meant to do.
We have many reasons to be filled with hope in 2026. Maybe this is the year Jesus will return and make everything right. In the meantime we have a lot of work to do in order to introduce as many people as possible to Jesus and the wonderful plan he has for them as disciple-makers.
