In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we celebrate the theme of hope as we step into the new year. As believers, we are reminded that each new beginning offers us a chance to renew our faith and trust in God’s promises. Together, we’ll explore Scripture that inspires hope, discuss how to let go of past disappointments, and embrace the future with a heart full of faith. Join us as we discover practical ways to cultivate hope in our daily lives and uplift those around us.

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We want to hear how you’re finding hope as you enter the new year! Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—What new hopes and dreams are you embracing this year, and how can we pray for you in that journey?

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Full Transcript Below:

Newfound Hope for the New Year. Three Ways to Find it.

By Keri Eichberger

But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7) 

Hope isn’t something I’ve felt a whole lot of lately. Well, for a while actually. In fact, I honestly can’t remember when I last felt it, or when I seemed to lose it. Maybe it was a year ago when my first book was released, and the results didn’t quite match my efforts and initial excitement. And maybe a little more hope left me with the death of a beloved family member a few months later. Then more through the fear of Dad’s open heart surgery that followed. And some more with his sudden stroke too shortly after that. But I likely lost my final spark when we found out a huge investment crashed, leaving my family in a financial nightmare the very next season of sorrow.

And I hate to highlight so much of the sad side of life, and neglect to share the good—because deep down I know there actually is always so much to be thankful for. But vulnerably speaking, sometimes our reality and human nature tend to bend a bit down in the dumps. The ugly truth is, I feel like I was on the verge of forgetting how to even feel truly hopeful altogether.

But I want to be. I want to feel hope and joy and fresh, vibrant life budding and blossoming within. And I know God wants that. For all of his children. Plus, the alternative is just dark, depressing, and dreadful. Now these sentiments I am well acquainted with these days. Ugh, how horrible is that to admit?

Do you feel like you are lacking some hope too? Or any hope? Are you tired of feeling this way?

I sure am. I miss feeling alive with anticipation of blessings in the works. I miss excitedly expecting better days just ahead. I want to watch in joyful hope for the Lord‘s goodness and gifts, that I really do know are ever-flowing. 

You get it. Yes, we’ve all walked through some hard things. We’ve all cried out to God in our suffering more times than we’d like to be true. But here’s the thing. He has heard each and every cry. He has grieved and wept right with us. But he wants so much more for our lives. Because he loves us. He has better and bigger plans for our future. Because he loves us. He is pleased to share with us his glory and blessings right here on earth. Because he loves us.

I want this year to be different, don’t you? Yes, we all want to be filled with hope in the Lord.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

Here’s what I’ve learned from God and his Word when it comes to hope. It starts with him. Hope begins by:

1. Acknowledging him. Sitting silently in his presence. Sharing with Jesus what’s still causing you hurt and heartache. Releasing the disappointments of the past, your current season of sadness, your mistakes, mishaps, and misunderstandings. Acknowledging that he hears you and your cries. And then,

2. Acknowledging him as savior. Accepting and professing that he is the sovereign one who loves you so much. Who wants good for you. And has all the power to bring your best to be. You can trust your life in his all-powerful hands. And because of this, you can practice,

3. Waiting in hope for him. We wait because God is currently working out his plan. And we can do it with anticipation, patience, and hope because we know it will be nothing short of perfect. Because his love for you and me is nothing less than perfect.

Like Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Friend, let this be true of you too as we walk into the new year. Watch in hope for the Lord. Wait for our good, good God. The Almighty God who loves you. He is your savior. He has heard you, he hears you, and he always will. May we both not only be hopeful, but abounding with praise and joy today for the good things he is abundantly bringing our way.