Fifty-six years ago today, January 17th 1966, America’s National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) ordered 32 episodes of a new TV show called “The Monkees”, about a struggling rock and pop band from Los Angeles. The four actors: Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones weren’t chosen for their musical abilities, but they soon grew to become one of the 1960’s most successful bands, selling more than 75 million records worldwide. Their hits are well-known, including: “”Last Train to Clarksville”, “I’m a Believer”, “A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You” and “Daydream Believer“.

NBC obviously liked the concept for the new television series, but back in January 1966 they had no idea just how successful it would become. In the same way, although we face an uncertain year as we look forward into 2022, the highlights and the blessings of the next twelve months have yet to be revealed. It’s good to remind ourselves that as well as possible adversity, there will also be much to be thankful for.

But what grounds do we have for being optimistic, especially when the world seems to be falling apart; Covid 19, for example, and wars and international tensions across the globe. Are optimists just “daydream believers” hoping to “hide ‘neath the wings of the bluebird as she sings” and wishing that “the six o’clock alarm would never ring”? No, it’s because as the ancient scriptures say:

“the people who know their God will stand firm and prevail.”

Daniel 11:32 (CJB)

We don’t live in a perfect world, but we do have a God who is faithful and who cares for all those who belong to Him. Adversity often drives us to prayer in the end, but I can honestly say that it’s so much better to get to know Him now and enjoy His presence in one’s life before adversity comes. We can look forward with optimism, because our Creator has good plans for each one of us:

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIVUK)

May you stand firm and prevail in 2022 – have a great year!

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