This ‘Happy New Year’ was not so happy for me. It wasn’t tragic, but it wasn’t happy either. Instead of the future holding bright possibility, I saw it as uncertain.  And when that happens in my life, I get very anxious about the unknown. 

Last week I saw a very suspenseful movie with a friend of mine. These are NOT my favorite kind of movies. I get too nervous about what is about to happen. My friend, who had already seen the movie, occaisionally threw out comments like, “Dude, you’re gonna love this part”, or “you will NOT believe what’s about to happen!” A couple of times I even heard him mutter under his breath, “Oh, boy. This is not gonna be good.” 

To many, his comments would have been annoying. But to me his comments were comforting. I know, Iknow - it was just a movie. But I was wrapped up in the story and I needed to know it was going to all be alright! With my friend commenting on the unseen scenes, I was able to relax and enjoy the story.   

As I enter this New Year, anxious about all the looming uncertainty, I long to have a glimpse of the future. I long to hear someone say, “Dude, you’re gonna love this part” or “Don’t worry. This is not good now, but it will all work out.” 

That longing is filled by our God. A God who already knows how this whole thing is going to go down. Beginning to end. Good and bad. Scary and joyful. And as we experience life, one frame at a time on the edge of our seats, He has been kind enough to say, “It’s all going to be alright.” 

So in this New Year, filled with anxiety and the unknown, I hope you and I will take comfort in the comments our God has about the end of the story…. 

…God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”  Revelation 21:3-5

~ by chris on January 5, 2010.