Now that we have said goodbye to 2020, and a new year has already begun, I encourage you to keep in mind a very comforting truth - Jesus is praying for you. I think we would all admit that last year was an especially difficult one, especially in light of a worldwide pandemic ravaging most of it. And that is why I believe that Christ wants His followers to remain hopeful that 2021 will not only be a better year - but an exceedingly blessed one. Let me start off by sharing a famous quotation with you that has encouraged believers for more than a hundred years. It's by a Scottish preacher from the 1800s, and it says - "If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me." (Robert Murray M'Cheyne) Just knowing that he was in the Savior's prayers dispelled this godly man's fears and anxieties. Let this knowledge do the same for you.

Here are some encouraging truths. The Bible says that Christ "is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us." (Romans 8:34 NLT) The Passion Translation says that Jesus is "continually praying for our triumph." The Lord is committed to our success. He has specific purposes and plans for us in this life, and He will help us to fulfill them and complete them, as we seek His face and His wisdom each day. Whatever He has called you to do, Christ will help you to do it with passion, joy, and excellence, as you depend on Him for help.

Scripture says that Jesus "is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf." (Hebrews 7:25 NLT) The Lord doesn't just save us, and then act like His job is done. No. The Message Bible translation says that Christ is "always on the job to speak up for [us]." He is praying for us continually - when our bodies are hurting, and we need healing. When we lose our job, or our finances are in a mess. When we suffer rejection or lose a loved one. And if we know that the Savior is praying for us, then we can know without a doubt that help is surely on the way.

The apostle John wrote that when we sin, we can be sure that "we have an Advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ." (1 John 2:1 NLT) Any way you look at it, Christ is on our side, and He is committed to our success in every area of our life. Today, He wants you to know that this can be the best year of your life - if you will simply remember that He will never leave you, and that He is praying for you!

Prayer: Lord, when trouble strikes and my heart is in turmoil, remind me that You are continually praying for me. Reassure me that You have specific plans and purposes for me, and that I will see them come to pass as I walk closely with You throughout each day. Teach me how to seek Your face and Your guidance on a moment-by-moment basis. Thank You that as I give You first place in my life, You will transform all of my troubles into triumphs!