As we end the year 2023, if you spun a compass in any direction, it would point to serious trouble in our world.

Looking forward to 2024, the global turmoil is sure to continue.

We’re not talking about minor localized trouble spots, but major volatile conflagrations that could easily escalate into global catastrophes.

Biblically literate Christians have at their fingertips prophecies of future events that are increasingly resembling headlines from today’s newspapers. In the Bible we’re given a review of the combatants, and Who ultimately wins.

It isn’t about “If” these things will happen, but about “when.” And it’s going to get ugly before true peace returns to our badly battered planet.

But there is a glorious rainbow at the end of this gathering storm: the coming to reign of Christ on Earth.

Scripture tells us, in Romans 8:18-23:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only that, but also, we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body.”

Christians, do you see yourselves as “sons and daughters of God?” Do you see your calling and position as the underlying purpose of God’s creation?

We don’t serve the earth — the earth is there for us — it is waiting for God to reveal His children to creation in glory.

So why do we mope, wringing our hands in worry and unbelief? Look up and see your deliverance, it’s closer than you think.

In view of our high calling, I propose a prayer, complete with New Year’s resolutions, that encourage you to “put on your new self,” which has been created in Christ Jesus:

A New Year’s Prayer

“Create in me Your own heart, Oh God.”

Oh God, may I only breathe when You do,
May my heart only beat when Yours does.
Oh God, My Shepherd God
May I sense the anguish You must feel,
O’er those You bled and died for.
As they walk away unmoved,
by Your pleas to reconcile.
May I, too, share your sufferings gladly.

Oh God, My Father God
May my heart break
When your heart breaks.
As your children destroy one another,
All in the name of religion,
As if that makes it all right.

Oh God, My Protector God
May I hate the things You hate,
Those things that do such harm.
May I love the things You love,
Those things that bring Life, not death.
May I learn the difference between the two.

Oh God, My tender Jesus,
May I put myself in other’s shoes as You did,
And not to walk by unaffected, like the Pharisees
May I see everyone as needy children,
Regardless of age, color, or culture.
Grant me courage to save, rescue, and comfort like you.

Oh God, My humble Jesus,
May I not crave the company of the wealthy and powerful,
But to walk among the broken, powerless, and hungry as You did.
May I shed tears for the lost and destitute,
And to offer hope to the hopeless,
Bearing their burdens as though they were my own.

Look up, where Christ is. Focus there. As explained in Colossians 3:1-4:

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”

We are so focused on daily life and its challenges that we lose sight of our ultimate destiny. Force yourself to, “Set your minds on the things that are above …” and watch what happens.

How About You?

Please, no more shallow new year’s resolutions about losing weight, quitting drinking, exercising more, etc. Stop!

See yourself as God sees you, not as crows pecking the ground for scraps, but as eagles soaring high. Set your mind accordingly.

It’s not about what you do, but about who you are in Christ, and that begins and ends with your heart.