So we’ve entered another year. Some of us are anxious. Some of us are afraid. Some of us are overwhelmed with the prospect of all that needs to be done in 2016. What will 2016 have in store for us?
I believe if we turn to Scripture God has given us the insights we need to make 2016 a wonderful year. I find myself turning to four scripture verses as I think about 2016. I would like to share them with you.
I believe that God has a plan. Refer to James 4:13-15: Now listen, you who say “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that”
I believe that we spend too much time worrying about tomorrow, and not enough time enjoying what God has provided for us today. As it reads in Matthew 6: 25-27: “Therefore I will tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
I believe that that personal courage lies in a relationship with God. In Joshua 1:9 God tells us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
I believe that inner peace is attainable. As it says in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
So let’s turn to God on a daily basis as we work our way into 2016. Rely on him for strength, courage and wisdom to do the things that He wants us to do. Let Go, Let God.