What to remember when your New Year optimism fades


“I’m so excited to see what God will do this next year!”

That’s a typical remark I’ve heard this past week in conversations I’ve had with others about the new year. There’s something about the end of the year and the anticipation of the next that makes us optimistic of great change and blessing. Health clubs count on this renewed enthusiasm to bolster their memberships ranks before the newly intentional fall away to other competing demands.

The good news for us is that we don’t need a year-end to bolster hope. The book of Lamentations reminds us that we can “have hope because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lam 3:21-23). His love for us is unfailing and renewed every day, not just at the end of a calendar year. That’s a good thing to remember today while we’re feeling optimistic about tomorrow. And it’s an even better thing to remember when tomorrow comes and yesterday’s confidence is gone.

As you enter 2012, remember that God had already provided all that you need to take your next step in obeying Him with the dream he has given you. If you need help rediscovering your dream or engaging it, a Dream Intensive workshop can get you going.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)


How would you describe your outlook on 2012? Optimistic? Pessimistic? Ambivalent? Leave a comment here.
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4 thoughts on “What to remember when your New Year optimism fades

  1. So pumped about 2012. So I would say Optimistic is an understatement. Great knowing that I have the amazing privilege of knowing you as friend and brother. That makes the coming year even better.
    In Christ
    chuck

  2. Great reminder through the verse, Leary. Love that Bible–fresh every morning. My outlook on 2012? I’d say with the author of The Little Prince that “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.” No matter what our circumstances, if we trust in God’s sovereignty, we can accept all with grace and joy. So our attitude ought to be one of yielding to God’s purposes, whatever they may be.

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