As soon as Christmas day comes and goes, we start to anticipate New Years Eve and a fresh start to a New Year. With that anticipation rising, we can’t help but feel nostalgic on the year that was. I know for many this year has been quite a challenging year, personally, and globally. So, it’s no surprise that some will feel naturally anxious about the possibility of having a repeat of this year, or expect the worst as they enter 2017.

But I think that is what anxiety is, the fear of ; “what if’s, the potential maybe’s, fearing and anticipating the worst”.

Personally for me, 2016 was a tough year on so many levels. It felt like one battle after the next, it left me feeling battered, defeated, and depressed. The only thing that kept me going, and that encouraged me to keep on rising and moving forward despite the pain was my faith and hope in God. What stirs my faith and confidence in God, is knowing that he has gone before me in my future, and that he will always have my best interests at heart. I know that he would never abandon, forget or leave me stuck in a season. God always stirs my heart to believe in more and to keep looking up despite the challenges.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

HAVE FAITH AND EXPECTATION FOR 2017

When I lift up my faith, my hope becomes unshakeable despite my circumstances and I then begin to rise and choose to move forward . Beautiful things are birthed through pain. Our character has the opportunity to be refined through the fire.

When reflecting on the year that was, why not change your perceptions and attitude about what 2017 could be. A New year filled with new blessings, an opportunity to start a fresh, another year of life to celebrate.

  • Look for the good in between the bad.
  • Acknowledge and be grateful for the good.
  • See the challenges as lessons.
  • Do not let your season define you or steal from you.
  • Believe in the one who has your future.
  • Choose to believe that good things are waiting in your future.
  • Speak favour and blessing over your life.
  • Let go of all the bad, so that your hands and heart are open to receiving blessing and all the new adventures that awaits in 2017.

Dare to dream in 2017.