A new year has begun. We feel relief because we have transitioned to a new stage of our lives, but there may also be lingering fears due to COVID/Omicron, personal health issues, possible retrenchment due to economy stalling, separation from loved ones due to immigration barriers and mental health issues. There is inevitably a great deal of anxiety. As I write, Singapore ministers anticipate Omicron cases could hit 10,000 to 15,000 cases per day soon. There is much that could overwhelm us.
As believers however, we have faith in God who is our Creator and He knows our bodies better than we do. As our Sovereign Sustainer, we believe he is in control of all that happens in the universe, therefore even though there may be situations which are beyond our control, there is no situation which is beyond His control. So even though we may be buffeted by trials and trying circumstances we can stand firm, believing He will work out His Perfect Purposes – not by avoiding difficulties, but going through them with His help.
Here is a piece which reminds us of what we can do as we enter a new year:
THE GATE OF THE YEAR
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
Put your hand into God’s Hand, and He will lead you into the new year, with all its unknowns and circumstances. He knows the end from the beginning. He is already there. “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6. Have a good year!
Ps Graham