GPBC Blog

Well, it’s finally coming…the New Year! 2016 is over and 2017 is beginning and with it a new start to many things. I don’t know about you, but to me, it seemed as though 2016 wasn’t the best year. A lot of things happened this past year including many loved ones that passed. There have been many moments of uncertainty, fear and worry. Worldwide politics have been all over the place. Yes, looking back at it all it’s tempting to just close the book on 2016, forget it and move on to 2017.

I don’t think that would be the right thing to do, though. To forget or leave behind this year would also be to forget and leave behind what I have learned and what has shaped me into who I am now. Yes, I have a few scars on my heart, but those scars are also a reminder of what I have learned (and most importantly, learned from God!). He, most of all, has been my teacher this year.

He has taught me that there is nothing too small or too big that He will not take care of. Through that lesson he has also taught me patience. In my past, I have been quick to look ahead and jump to the result, instead of experiencing the moment and what God is doing now in this moment. He is showing to me more of the process he is taking me through to get to the results.

But the biggest thing that God has taught me in the year of 2016 is joy and what that really means. He has shown himself to be the source of joy. Because He is the source of joy, joy can be found in every moment. Without joy, really without Jesus, I’m not really sure how many would have made it through 2016.

So when the ball drops at midnight and 2016 turns to 2017, I’m not going to forget or leave behind, but I’m going to remember the joy. I’m going to be thankful for 2016 and the year God has given me. Because through it all, 2016 is another year that God showed me that He does love me, and He will always be with me as He will be with you. Just as it is written in Deuteronomy 31:6 (MSG):

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”