A Great New Year

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. 
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame scorch you." 
Isaiah 43:2

I was having lunch with a friend at a Chinese food restaurant, and after we finished eating we both cracked open our fortune cookies.  We both received good fortunes. My fortune said something about having a fulfilling and peaceful life, and his said that he would get to travel far and wide.  Of course neither of us took the cookie messages seriously, but it caused me to consider how grateful I am that I can look to the future with confidence because of the sure solid promises of God.

A new year is upon us and none of us know all that will take place, but we can enter this new year without fear, for God has promised that He will be with us.  No doubt, some will face circumstances that will sweep in like a flood or a fire, but rest assured, the Lord has promised the flood will not overflow you, and you will not be burned by the fire.

Our hope is not established by good fortunes found in cookies, or wishes, or happy thoughts.  We are established by the power and love of our gracious God.  By God's sovereignty we are blessed to be living in these amazing last days, and though it can get a bit crazy, as we set our focus on the Lord and His Word, His peace will reign.  He loves you, and He is doing a good work in you, so this is going to be a great year!