It seems to me we face a New Year with one of these thoughts: Good, another year God or Good God, another year!
Whatever your view, God has already figured out 2017 and we are part of His plan. We can find comfort in God's word as we face a New Year: “...be satisfied with what you have. For God has said “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” That is why we can say without any doubt or fear “The Lord is my Helper and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.” Hebrews 13:5-6
I have found four truths to help us on our journey through this New Year (with thanks to Adrian Rogers 1931-2005)
1. The Contentment of His Provision
Contentment is not getting what we want, it is wanting what we already have. (Adrian Rogers)
I like Paul's observation: “since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite happy about “the thorn” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong – the less I have, the more I depend on Him” 2 Corinthians 12:10 We stress about our situation. Will our needs be taken care of? Will some of the things we rely on be taken away? What about our health? Is God really listening when we talk to Him? Please know that God is big enough to handle any fear we may have.
2. The Companionship of His Presence
“And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you.” James 4:8 “Don't be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you. He will not fail nor forsake you” Deuteronomy 31:8 Whatever comes our way this year can be met with confidence because God has promised to be there.
3. The Confidence of His Promise
A promise is no better than the one who makes it. (Adrian Rogers)
We don't have to doubt God's Promises. He keeps them. When He says “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you,” we must remember it is the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God speaking. “So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive His mercy to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
4. The Comfort of His Protection
Martin Luther's great hymn comes to mind: A Mighty Fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing. Singing about God's protection is a comfort, as is reading God's Word. Here are a few of my favorites:
“No I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm. I will come to you.” John 14:18
“The Lord is my shepherd.” Psalm 23:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“He keeps His eye on you as you come and go and always guards you.” Psalm 121:8
“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them.” Psalm 138:7
“But the Lord is faithful; He will make you strong and guard you from satanic attacks of every kind.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
My prayer for each of us is that we will find contentment, companionship, confidence and comfort in our God as we face 2017. A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me. (Philip Yancey)
Prayer
May God be...above us to Bless us, below us to Support us
Before us to Guide us, Behind us to Protect us
Beside us to Comfort us, Inside us to Give us Strength and Joy (www.todayiamblessed.com)
When I am afraid of _____________ I will run to you my God.
All scripture passages taken from The Message
RSS Feed