I’m looking forward to seeing what God does in this year of our Lord 2022. I’m looking forward expecting good things (see my post about it, here). However, this morning, I was reading a passage from the book of Daniel (Chapter 8), and a couple of things came to mind. The first was a recurring request I received during late December or early January from members of many of the churches I served during my parish ministry. It seems that early in the year, based in large part on the expectation that New Year’s Day brings, folks wanted to study “Revelation.” Usually, that meant they wanted to study prophesies contained in Scripture to see what the Lord told us would happen in the future. Daniel 8 is a particularly intriguing bit of prophesy, mysterious in Daniel’s original vision, and almost as much so when the angel Gabriel interprets it for him.
The second thing that immediately came to mind were Jesus’ words recorded by Matthew, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt. 6:34)
I have heard and read many comments by folks bidding 2021 a not-so-fond farewell. The implication is that they hope 2022 will be better, a sentiment with which I whole-heartedly agree. However, I heard similar comments at the end of 2020, and look how that turned out!
Jesus’ words about staying focused on today are quite apt at this time of year. Looking into Scriptural prophesies is quite interesting unless we get too focused on “the future.” I believe the passages in the Bible that foretell the future are not there for us to attempt to interpret and predict what is coming. I believe they are there to make it clear that God knows what’s ahead and glorify Him when what he tells us comes true. The Lord’s intent, I believe, is to comfort us that He already has things in hand and not to worry about “tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
So, as I begin this new year, I’ve got my attention firmly on today, to enjoy and live the life I have at the moment. There are things I think about and hope for moving forward, but I have no idea what’s coming. I’m not looking too far forward, because all I’ve got is today, and no matter what comes, I’m trusting my Lord that He will make it turn out for good. After all, that’s what He promised for those of us who love Him and are called on purpose by Him (ala Romans 8:28).
May God grant it be so for all of us.