“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
As we enter another new year, be encouraged. Keep this truth close to your heart and on your mind:
We may not know what 2022 holds, but we do know WHO holds 2022.
Are you smiling yet?
The world may change, policies may change, people’s views may change, laws may change, but rest assured, Almighty God never changes! That is a guarantee! It is this truth that should bring peace to both your mind and heart as you enter into a new year. It is the truth in knowing that your heavenly Father sees all, knows all, owns all, and takes care of His children.
It is the truth in knowing God will provide for all your needs and that He will make a way where there may not seem to be a way. He will open new doors of opportunity and will take care of you. He will bring justice to injustices in His perfect time and in His perfect way.
As sons and daughters of the King of Kings, we need to remember and cherish daily the reality that we have a blessed hope because of Christ. We need to keep focused on such truths as we enter the new year, and we need to hold onto and remember those truths as we journey each day in 2022.
As we begin to see events take place and hear things on the news, we must stand on scripture, read our Bibles, pray, share our hope with others, and resist fear. 1 John 4:18 reminds: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Matthew 10:28 further reminds: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
With each step we take, with each new day the Lord gives, we must walk in faith, not in fear. We must keep praising, keep believing, keep trusting, and keep walking closely… relying on our Savior for everything … everything!
We must not be moved by what we see but by what scripture promises. We must trust and begin to armor up by putting on the full armor of God as is stated in Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
We must not give in, give up, or grow weary, but rely on our heavenly Father for strength and all we need each day till He calls us home.
Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13 “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”
We must remind our minds and hearts that this world is not our home and to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
John 14:2-3: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 states: “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
We have so much to look forward to and so very much to be thankful for… all because of our wonderful Savior!
As you take your first steps into a new year, remember: God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good! We may not always understand His ways, but we can fully trust that He sees the full picture and all of His ways are perfect… for our good and His glory.
Deuteronomy 7:9 states: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
Psalm 100:5 “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Ephesians 3:16-19: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
We have every good thing because of Jesus! We have every reason to rejoice.
As you venture into 2022, put your complete faith and trust in His capable hands and stay close to Him. Take His hand and walk with Him, never letting go. Don’t allow the enemy to steal your joy or to paralyze you in fear.
When you’re tempted to look around, look up. When you feel weary, let Jesus give you rest. When you feel like you want to surrender, stand firm on God’s Word, holding tight to His promises. Be at peace, and be comforted in knowing your Savior is faithful and will never leave you or forsake you… ever!
Just like 2021 and all the years prior, there will be changes, BUT our great God is always the one constant that will never change. So, take His hand, stand on His Word, and find your serenity and rest in Him.
Let His light guide you, His love encompass you, His Word encourage you. May your heart be joyful and at peace as you journey with Jesus into another new year.
Happy 2022!