I realize that 2012 left many feeling they have little for which to give thanks or celebrate. We in the U.S. have experienced several consecutive years of economic uncertainty. Many are unemployed or under-employed. Home foreclosures are at an all-time high. The cost of just about everything has increased, but paychecks haven't kept pace. There's a general sense of pessimism on the part of believers, and non-believers, alike.
It's true. Life is often hard, sad, frightening, lonely, hurtful, unfair. Circumstances can make it difficult to look forward to a new year with anticipation, hope, and faith that better days are coming. We definitely shouldn't look to our government for any hope and change! But.. we have a God who loves and cares for us with an infinite love...a love to die for!
Matthew 17:20 says, "....Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Knowing God and his great love for me gives me hope and confidence for tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and
why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my
help and my God. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his
son is with me, a prayer to the God of my life." (Psalm 42: 5,8)
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"God is our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give
way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and
foam and the mountains quake with their surging."(Psalm 46:1-3)
Happy New Year, dear reader! May the Lord keep you and prosper you in the coming year.
Copyright 2013 Laney's Musings
