Bring On the New Year!

(photo courtesy of James Miyashita)

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” – Isaiah 43:2

2020 is coming to an end. Throughout the holiday season, I have heard comments about how great it will be when this year ends, and a new one begins. Unfortunately, not much will change on January 1, 2021. There is no magic wave of a wand that will make the coronavirus disappear or the political tensions in our country dissipate. In fact, New Year’s Day will come and go, and most likely things will continue much the same way as they are now.

It can be quite demoralizing to think that 2021 will still have increasing cases of covid and political upheaval. Small businesses will still be struggling to keep afloat, churches will still be threatened with closures, and frankly, wickedness will continue to be accepted and embraced by the world as we know it.

But there is hope. No matter what happens on January 1^st or any other day, God continues to be God. Nothing changes that. There is great comfort knowing that God remains in control, and although I cannot see the “big picture” through my limited vision, I can rest in the knowledge that He works everything out according to His perfect plan. He has a plan for me, and there is nothing this world can do to stop His plan from coming to fruition. That is very reassuring! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Additionally, when troubles come my way, and they will, I know that I never have to face them on my own. God is always with me. He promises to see me through every single situation. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that my life will be without hard times, it means that God will always be with me, leading me through the adversities that will undoubtedly come. Psalm 23:4 states, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…”

As the Lord leads me through life, regardless of how difficult the circumstances, I can trust Him to see me through each situation. Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God is faithful to do exactly as He has promised in Scripture. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23) He has promised to order my steps, and as I follow Him, I can trust that He will never lead me astray. The road may be rough at times, but walking with God will get me through.

Regardless of what happens on January 1^st, 2021 promises to be a great year filled with blessings from my heavenly Father in the fulfillment of His promises. In fact, it just may be the year that the Lord Jesus Christ returns to take His bride home! Perhaps instead of listening to all the negativity in the media, we should be listening for the trump of God!

Earthly friends may prove untrue
Doubts and fears assail
One still loves and cares for you
Jesus never fails

Though the sky be dark and drear
Fierce and strong the gale
Just remember He is near
And He will not fail

Jesus never fails
Jesus never fails
Heav’n and earth may pass away
But Jesus never fails.

(from “Jesus Never Fails” by Arthur Luther)

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10

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Perhaps today!