New Year Unknowns
The new year brings about a variety of feelings. Many of you probably turned the page from 2023 to 2024 hopeful and optimistic about the fresh start—the new year serving as an opportunity to begin again. We hope this is you.
But for some, the new year unknowns supersede the excited cheers and determined resolutions. You may feel uneasy about what’s to come – a little anxious about everyone you love getting a little older, the load of responsibility becoming a little heavier, the world in a constant state of unrest, technology advancing, and the church shying away as culture gains ground with each passing year.
The new year can feel a little like driving into dense fog on an unfamiliar road when you’re unable to see oncoming headlights, brake lights, road markings and signs…even if you are driving a familiar route, the low visibility makes it nearly impossible to anticipate what is ahead.
There is no way of knowing what lies ahead of you this year, or even this day. There are sure to be a few unexpected bends in the road, obstacles you will face, bumps that might catch you off guard; but, I want to remind you that nothing catches God off guard. He knows what is before you because He has already been there.
Before Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan, Moses reminded Him that the Lord had crossed before him:
“And the Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord has gone ahead of you this year.
Life is uncertain. You and I are not promised a straight road with clear visibility along the way, but we can fix our eyes on the one who has gone before. The one who has promised to make known to us the path of life (Psalm 16:11).
We can journey on into the foggy unknown with confidence that He will guide us and supply our every need along the way.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight…” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Turn on the low beam headlights….the ones that offer just enough light for what is in front of you today. Open the Word and let it light your path…
”The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:130
May we be diligent to prepare our hearts for the bumps and equip our minds to navigate the obstacles.
May the Lord illuminate the bends up ahead. And may you be reminded today that the Lord has gone before you, He knows what you’ll find in the clearing. He knows the way because He IS the way.
Satan wants nothing more than for God’s people to fear the unknowns, the hard conversations and situations. He wants God’s people to break down at the obstacles. pureHOPE exists to join you on the journey. We don’t want you to feel caught off-guard, alone, or hopeless. We want to equip you with resources, encourage you to live out a PURE life, and help you arm your family with the truth of God’s Word to confidently navigate our sexualized and ever-changing culture with HOPE.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.” – Psalm 32:8