These few days between the old year and the new are a good time to think back and look forward.

If we let them, certain Bible verses can frame our outlook for the coming year. One I especially I like is this encouragement from Paul to a group of Jesus followers in Greece:

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

These are not just benevolent words, but a deep, powerful appeal from one believer for another.

Here at the turn of the year, as we leave behind the old and enter the new, let’s join with Paul and pray: Lord, encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good deed and every good word as we step out to follow you in this next year of our lives.

Thessalonians 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Thomas Tucker