What Will the New Year Bring?

"If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

The start of a brand new year is an excellent time for reflection and hope. Reflection allows us to pause and think about the old year gone by. Thus, letting us redirect our thoughts and actions towards more positive results. Hope allows us to continue forward knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Though, it's true, the paths ahead may be new and unfamiliar, it is with confidence and security in knowing that our Heavenly Father is always present; that we press forward unafraid.

One night, I was trying to think of a message of encouragement for this upcoming year. Suddenly, I was reminded of David's words in Psalm 37. I actually found myself using them to encourage several people who were going through hard times. In the end, I thought that the truth in this text would be helpful to others.

David understood that all believers fall at some time. We stumble, we lose our way, we struggle, and sometimes we trip and fall on our journey. There aren't any exceptions. No one is exempt. We all fall sooner or later. But here's the important thing. It’s what happens when we fall that makes all the difference.

God ordains every step we take. This includes: the good and the bad, the happy and the sad, the positive and the negative. What I am trying to say is that God not only “directs” our steps, he also “determines” or “orders” or “ordains” our steps.

You see, because he is God, there are no "accidents" with him. Nothing ever happens to us by luck, chance or fate. This means that no circumstance, good or bad, can come to us except what God determines for us.

We might wonder what 2015 will bring.  Will it be a good year, or a bad year for us personally? In many respects, we will discover that life will be the same this year because of similar, ongoing challenges in our walk with the Lord.

Sure, there will be good days and bad days. You will experience some victories and some defeats. Some of your prayers will be answered; some won’t be answered. Some of your dreams will come true; others won't. Some of your plans will come to fruition; others will remain undone. But know this: Your steps in the coming year are "ordained," or “ordered” by the Lord. He is in charge of every detail of your life.

I mentioned above that next year will be just like last year. Let me change that statement around just a bit: Next year will be just like last year—only entirely different! Certainly, some things will be the same, much will be different, and some things will be brand-new to us.

However, be encouraged. The future rests in the good hands of a God who loves you more than you can imagine. Certainly, you may stumble during the new year, but you won’t completely fall. This, my dear friends, is God’s promise to you. Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 43:18-19; Psalm 34:8; Romans 14:11

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that this new year will be a blessed year; a year full of hope, love, and your presence in my life. No matter what this year brings, I will confidently face it knowing that you are in charge of every detail of my life. Amen

May God bless you all,

~Eve