It is hard to believe we are ready to begin another New Year. I remember as a young boy, how slowly time passed, but through the years, time has picked up speed and now moves at such a rapid pace. Such is the perspective we gain as the number of days we have before us grows fewer, and the number of days we have behind us grow larger and larger. With the years of experience we have in life ever growing, what can we learn to help us as we begin a new year, a year unknown in what it holds, with both the blessings we will experience, and the challenges we will face?
One thing we can learn is that it is not within us to direct our steps (Jeremiah 10:23). As best as we may plan for the New Year, there will be unexpected events we will have to face. Our trust should not be in ourselves alone, then, but in the God who is eternal, who can guide our steps and lead us in the right way. If we make our decisions for life this year based solely on our feelings, our desires and on the flesh alone, we will make our challenges much more challenging to face. The Word of God should be our directive in all our choices and decisions (James 4:15). His will is the best way for us, today and certainly for eternity. Living by His will keeps us in a right relationship with Him, and offers us an abundant life (John 10:10). Make sure the path you take is that which is rooted in God’s Word. “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Something else we should learn is that God’s love and forgiveness will always be available to us (Romans 8:38-39). We do not need anyone to tell us to enjoy the good times this coming year will bring, but sometimes we doubt ourselves and others when it seems life is trying to beat us down. This is a favorite tool of Satan to discourage us, weaken our faith and allow the world to dominate our thinking and living. Never doubt that God loves you and will always be with you! Our confidence comes from knowing what His Son endured on our behalf (Romans 8:32), and that He is there to encourage and help us every day (Hebrews 12:1-2). “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’’’ (Hebrews 13:5-6)
We are familiar with the saying, “We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.” It is a true statement that can help encourage us in right living. We know God will do His part in helping us through the New Year, no matter what may come our way. Let us trust in Him and do our best to live for Him, walking in His love, committed to His will and confident in His strength. No matter what, the New Year will be a great year if God and His Son remain our focus throughout the year. As Jude commends to us, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life” (Jude 21). What a great way to have a great new year! God bless.
