Overflowing with Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

I’ll never forget the out-of-tune organ in the small country church where I grew up. For decades, melodies of hope, joy, and peace rang out from that instrument and the hearts of believers there in Pleasant Valley.

And as a little girl, I remember standing between the rustic rows of pews with their crimson cushions, side by side with those both young and old, joining our voices together to sing a familiar refrain:

“Many things about tomorrow,
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.”¹

This sweet hymn, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” rings ever-true on this first day of 2025.

For some, the start of a new year brings excitement and eager expectations. For others, the unknown causes anxiety and fear. However you’re feeling today, God understands.

Even when we cannot see what’s up ahead, we can look back and trace God’s faithful hand. As we pause now to reflect on God’s goodness over this past year, we will find strength and hope to face the “unknowns” of this new year and strengthen our trust in the One who has already gone before us.

Pause & Reflect:

Take a minute to reflect on God’s faithfulness to you in 2024. Write a list of the ways you saw God at work throughout this last season, and spend a minute thanking God for who He is as you enter 2025.

On this January 1st, perhaps you’re hoping for a year of blessings, healing, health, and wholeness. Maybe 2024 was a challenging year, and you long for peace. Perhaps 2024 was the best year of your life, and you pray 2025 will continue in the same way.

In addition, some of us may have long lists of resolutions we intend to keep. For others, the thought of setting goals for the new year seems overwhelming. Take a minute now to surrender your resolutions and expectations to God. Ask for God’s will rather than your own.

Pause & Reflect:

Read Proverbs 16:9. Talk to God about your expectations, goals, and desires for 2025.
Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Ask God to help you surrender your hopes for 2025 and to trust His better plans.

As we grow in trusting God, He fills us with His joy and peace and helps us to overflow with hope. And in Romans 15:13, the Apostle Paul encouraged the Roman believers: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Although Paul’s words were not directed toward us, the same Truth still applies today.

Friend, we are to be people marked by overflowing hope, joy, and peace because we know the One who “holds tomorrow.” This certainly doesn’t mean that just because we trust in God, we’ll never face any trials. In fact, God promised that in this broken world (Gen. 3), we would experience troubles. But, Jesus has urged believers to “take heart” because He has “overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). He is stronger than whatever we face, and His presence and promises remain no matter what comes our way this new year.

So in both the hardships and “hallelujahs” of 2025, may we be quick to remember this Truth that God is with us (Heb. 13:5). May we count on His unchanging character (Heb. 13:8). May we surrender our expectations, trusting that His plans are better (Isa. 55:8-9). And may we look forward with utmost eager expectation to the Day when Christ will come again as reigning King to make all things new (Rev. 1:7). Until that Day, may we be people who live with a kind of overflowing hope as we trust the One who “holds tomorrow.”

Friend, will you join me in prayer today?

Dear God,
You are faithful. You are good. You are with us. Thank You for this new year and all of the blessings and opportunities for growth it will bring. Help us to trust Your character and to believe Your promises. You are the One who “holds tomorrow.” You hold us, too. May we be people who overflow with Your love, joy, hope, and peace as we learn to trust You deeper this year. We love You, God! In Jesus’ name, amen.

¹Ira F. Stanphill. “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.” Hymnary.org, 1950. https://hymnary.org/text/i_dont_know_about_tomorrow.