The New Year can bring a myriad of emotions and often prompts us to reflect on the months past while considering what lies ahead. Some may experience joy, contentment, and hope; others may experience defeat, depression, disappointment and dread.
No matter where we may fall on the spectrum of feelings today, God wants us to know that our future relies on the measure of our trust in His word. His word is the Good News; it’s rich in power, wisdom, and the evidence of God’s unwavering love us, in spite of us. While we were yet sinners, Christ chose to stand between us and God and atone for our sins.
He took our place and now, we can look forward to everlasting joy instead of eternal suffering. Sometimes, this incredible gift is overcast by the cares of this world - the gloom and doom that’s reported on the news; the family traumas and drama; the turmoil on the job; the goals we failed to meet last year…all of the things that carry little weight in the grand scheme of things.
Today, I’m reminded that God is in control and we have to learn to glimpse at our lives and gaze at Him. Shifting our focus towards God helps us to trust Him - no matter what we see, no matter what we hear, no matter what we know, no matter what we think we may know. 2024 taught me the value in these words as I chose to lean on Him in many tough situations and came out on top every time. And whenever the enemy tried to challenge my faith, remembered how God dealt with His children since the beginning.
And the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He has solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all of their enemies. Joshua 21:44 NLT
Just like the Israelites, we are loved so deeply by God. No matter what He sees; no matter what He hears, no matter what He knows - He still loves us passionately and unconditionally. He continually chases fervently after us, waits patiently for us, and even blesses us.
Because of this love, we benefit from a power that builds us up when we’re feeling low; a power that restores us back to a place of honor and humility; a power that breaks generational curses; a power that heals fractured relationships. Believe it or not, this power is also strong enough to change our mindset and cause us to eat healthier, exercise more, create healthy boundaries for ourselves, serve others, and ultimately change the world around us for the better. Whatever we need to do can be done if we consistently nurture our relationship with the Lord.
I encourage you to remember this fact, whether you find yourself standing on a mountain today or stuck in a valley tomorrow. Lean into God’s love. 2024 is behind us and we don’t know what’s in store for 2025. But the word of God says, “Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unwavering and persistent in prayer; in every situation be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
As you lean into Him, praise Him knowing that He lives. His love has and will continue to carry you through.
Today is a new day; today is a gift. How will you make the most of it?
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