As a new year approaches, some people reflect on the previous year, and wonder what the next year will bring. For some, the previous year was filled with happy events, and they are optimistic for the new year to bring the same. Yet for others, there was sadness, and they're not sure if things will turn around for them in the following year. A year is a long time, and since we can't see into the future, we can't predict what's going to happen. We keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.
What does the Bible say about our past, present and future? Since God is ultimately in control of everything, He must know what the new year will bring. For Isaiah 46:10 tells us He declares the end from the beginning. So, here we are. A brand new year. And He has already seen it with His eyes! How does this affect us?
First of all, He created each one of us in His image, and He desires that we have an intimate relationship with Him through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. As His children, we are promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We aren't on this journey called life alone. Every thing that happens to us has been approved by God to mold us and make us into what He has designed us to be. As a result, we know that because He is the Potter and we are the clay, everything that comes our way is a result of His love for us. Even if we hurt. This isn't a perfect world, and following Him never promises a pain free experience. In fact, Jesus tells us that every day has enough trouble of its own. But He gives us the strength to persevere.
Paul tells us in Philippians 3 this:
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended,
but one thing I do, forgetting those things
which are left behind and reaching forward
to those things which are ahead.
I press toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
For our citizenship is in heaven,
from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior,
the LORD Jesus Christ,
who will transform our lowly body
that it may be conformed to His glorious body,
according to the working by which
He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
As we enter into a new year filled with unknowns, let us fix our eyes on the LORD. Develop a habit of constantly being in His presence through daily prayer time and Bible reading. Make Him your top priority, leaning on Him to guide you and direct you.
Show me Your ways, O LORD.
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me.
For You are the God of my salvation.
On You I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5)
