The starting line

Each calendar year, we act as though we're at the starting line. The possibilities of blank pages stretch into June, September, November of 2012. What will the days bring? Will there be opportunities that we've prayed for? Will there be sorrows and partings?

Yes.

Yes, there will be all of these and more.

Instead of feeling anxious and fearful of the year, let's release 2012 into God's control. Nothing we do or say will make our dreams come true if he has not designed those things for us. No evil can harm us, no shadows darken our way, except his presence goes with us.

Along with working hard and doing our best, prayers of gratitude and surrender will ease us through the coming year. Whatever path God chooses for our journeys, walking with him adds meaning to glorious vistas and barren deserts alike.

People used to spout the cliche, "Let go and let God!" Perhaps a better motto for the New Year would be, "Hold tightly to God's loving hand to find contentment on the journey," whatever the year brings. After all, our eternal God encircles us without start or end, gently guiding to the final destination where we shall "ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17).

Read more:

*Genesis 1:1-2:3; Matthew 1:1-17

*Blessed are those who walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners,  nor sit in the seat of the scornful;  but their delight is in the law of the LORD,  and in His law they meditate day and night.  

They shall be like trees planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth their fruit in season,  whose leaves also shall not wither; and whatever they do shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3   NKJV  (plural added)

"For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth." Psalm 33:4–5 NLT

*You have made the Lord your refuge. Psalm 91:9

*Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Moravian Prayer: God of our future, things will happen this year which we can not foresee. Some may delight us, and others may cause us grief. At year's end, we will look back and know you were with us. "Great is thy faithfulness!" Amen.