Happy New Year Message From Pastor Evan Langlois

Dear Praise Family,

Many have been longing for the day that we would be able to put the year 2020 into the rearview mirror and today is the day that this hope becomes reality! For many, this past year has been challenging (to say the least!) and has brought with it trials that maybe we’ve never experienced before. So to say “goodbye” to this past year is indeed a celebration!

But before we move on from 2020 and write it off as the worst year ever, it would certainly be beneficial to take a moment to stop and remember that, even amid a difficult year, God has been faithful through it all. God was still on His throne; nothing was a surprise to Him! God’s steadfast love has never ceased; his mercies never came to an end; they were new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Our forgiveness in Christ for sin was never in question; His work on the cross continued to be finished (John 19:30). Any suffering, pain, or trial did not minimize or negate His love for us, yet pointed to the Kingdom that He prepared for us where the sufferings of this present time aren’t worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). In the midst of trial, God was still using the brokenness of this world for our good, even if we don’t recognize it yet (Romans 8:28). Through everything that this year has brought, we have life and breath in our lungs and we have the certainty of His love for us in Christ (Romans 8:31-39).

Not only is this all true, but God will remain faithful in 2021! We know from Hebrews 13:8 that God will continue to be faithful to us because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He won’t be surprised at what this year brings. He won’t be taken off His throne. His grace will still be new every morning. He will still be with us always, “even to the very end of the age,” (Matthew 28:20)! Who are we to deserve such incredible promises?? Yet because of His love, those, and so much more, are ours in Christ!

So as we say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021, take the time to remember the One who is constant throughout all of it and rejoice, because He cares for you!

“And now 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. Amen!” (Romans 15:13)

Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Evan