Happy new Year!

It’s 2019, and now we have to remember that every time we write the date. How many times before the end of January will I get it wrong, and go back to writing 2018, only to cross it out and start again? By February, I’ll be used to the new numbers, but I’m sure the year will fly, and it’ll soon be time to start writing 2020!

Does the word ‘New’ scare you, or do you get excited by it? Some of you may feel nothing, and just take everything in your stride. Have you made resolutions? I don’t bother anymore, because I have a nasty habit of breaking them.

I believe a new year is a great opportunity to re-commit ourselves to prayer, and the study of God’s word. Each January, I tend to begin a plan which will take me through the Bible in a year. I also pick some daily devotionals to help focus my attention on Jesus, which I like to read first thing in the morning. However, these things may not work for you. God made us all as individuals, so find your own path, and never feel guilty if it’s different from anyone else’s. Some people are early risers. They jump out of bed with a boing and a bounce, ready to embrace the day and eager for God’s word and prayer. Others aren’t morning people, so prefer to read an study later in the day, or even at night. Some prefer listening to an audio Bible, as they don’t enjoy reading, and concentrate better on the spoken word. Some pray for an hour, while others struggle to focus for more than five minutes at a stretch, so talk to god throughout the day. Some work their way through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, while others pick a chronological study, or maybe even read books at random, as they feel the Spirit leading. The main thing is that we make God the focal point of each and every day. It is a decision we’ll never regret. How we make it happen is between us and him. He will direct us to whatever he knows will suit our personalities.

There are days when we don’t feel like reading or praying. Believe me, I know. Yet, I have discovered those are the very days when I need God most. Even if I can only bring myself to cry out for his love and mercy, and perhaps just dwell on one or 2 comforting and reassuring verses, it is always worth it. Time spent with Jesus is never time wasted.

I don’t know what this year has in store for any of us, but I am constantly comforted by the reassurance that nothing takes our Saviour by surprise. His grace, love, and mercy are sufficient for every trial we will face, every sorrow, and every joy. He will rejoice with us when we are happy, and weep with us when we go through trials. If I had known on 1 January 2017 that this was the year God had chosen to take my precious dad home, I would have been devastated, and sure I wouldn’t be able to cope. Yet, with God’s help and strength, I did cope. Remember, he won’t give us today the strength we’ll need for tomorrow, because we don’t need it yet. I love these verses from Lamentations chapter 3. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam 3: 22-23.)

I encourage you to begin this new year resting in the steadfast love of the one who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not have mood swings, and he has promised never to leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy chapter 31 verse 6 says: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” The “Them” spoken of in this verse was the enemies of the nation of Israel, but the same truth applies to anything or anyone we might be afraid of today. Whatever burdens you may be carrying into 2019, please be assured that you can cast them upon the one who cares for you, and know that he will be your strength and shield.

My prayer for all of us this year is that we will grow closer to the one in whom we live, breathe, and have our being. So once again, a very happy new year to you all!