Lamentations 3:22-25

As we come to the end of 2022, may we do so with most grateful hearts for every blessing bestowed. For many, it was an extremely rough year as they navigated from one crisis to the next. In fact, some were already reeling from the trauma and tragedies of 2020 and 2021, severely affected by the great Pandemic that seems so adamant in hanging around, only to be viciously attacked and pounded by the enemy on so many different fronts repeatedly. What seemed so bright and prosperous in the beginning of 2022, soon turned dark, foreboding, and nightmarish. For many, their heads pounded, their hearts raced, and their souls melted within them because of the trouble which came to destroy them. However, all we say at the end of 2022, on this the 31^st of December 2022 is – Still Standing! Do I have any witnesses in the house today? Can somebody break out into a doxology right here? Can somebody give me a tambourine? Is there praise in the house?

Amid all his lamentations for the sins of Israel and their resultant calamities, the prophet Jeremiah felt compelled to exclaim, “It is of the Lord’ s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is thy portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him” (Lam.3:22-25). Here the prophet sees not only wrath and judgment, bitterness, and derision but he deliberately takes time out to reflect on God’s faithfulness. This is what we do, at the end of these most trying days, weeks, months, and years that seemed so unrelenting in reeking such grief and woe upon the land. We remember God’s faithfulness. We recall to mind; his unfailing goodness and undeniable faithfulness and we have hope moving forward.

Beloved, I charge you to keep in mind that the same God who took us through 2020, 2021 and 2022, is the same God who shall powerfully and gloriously take us through 2023! You shall not be defeated, deflated, or depleted! We shall not be dispersed, dispelled, devastated, or destroyed! Just like how He brought the children of Israel out and over, the loving Father will do the same for us in these perilous times indeed. Exodus 19: 4 reminds us “Ye have seen what I have done to the Egyptians and how I bare you on eagles’ wings and brought you unto myself.”

I promise you; He will sustain us through every trial and storm in 2023. He will renew your strength. He will lift us higher. He will incentivize His church with greater victories in the coming months. “Your light will break forth as the morning, your health shall spring forth speedily, your righteousness shall go before you: the glory of the Lord shall be your guard” (Isaiah 58:8). We, therefore, fearlessly march into 2023! Looking back, we move forward! With joyful hearts we toast the birth of the New Year!

Please be reminded that our Prayer and Fast begins on January 02,2023.

Let us remember to pray for:

• • • The city of Buffalo
    • Those who are sick and afflicted
    • Divine Healing
    • The unsaved all around us
    • Revival and church growth

May 2023 be the greatest of peace and prosperity! Happy New Year!

Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region

December 31^st, 2023