As we look back at 2022, what do we wish we had done differently? Maybe we would have liked to win more souls to Jesus. Maybe we wanted more time to visit the sick and the elderly. Perhaps we wanted to spend more time in God’s Word and pray more. It is possible that we feel we did not do enough for our parents, our children, or others.
But now we are in a fresh new year, a year with many possibilities and opportunities. Wars and troubles rage worldwide, and we may face many difficulties and hardships. How will we handle what comes our way? Jesus promises us that He is with us ALWAYS. He said in Matt. 28:20b – “…be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
He also said in John 14:1-3, ”Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” What a beautiful promise!
Are you burdened or weighed down by illness, lack of finances or fears about the future? In Matt. 11:28 Jesus said, ”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
In Mark 4 we read how Jesus slept in a boat while the disciples were battling a storm. The fact that Jesus had a cushion under His head, tells us that Jesus MEANT to go to sleep. [Sometimes we might also think that Jesus is sleeping during the storms we go through, but He is very much awake and concerned about every tiny detail of our lives.]
At the beginning of the story Jesus had told His disciples, “Let us go to the other side…” He KNEW they would be caught up in a storm just like He knows our futures, yet He beckons us forward and calls us to go to the “other side” where Eternity waits for us. God never promises smooth sailing in our lives, but He does promise to be with us in the problems and complications of life. The disciples panicked when the storm hit their boat, but Jesus stood up and said, “Peace! Be still!” [Mark 4:39] He says that to each one of us reading this devotion – Have peace! Do not worry. I am with you and watching over you.”
Thank You precious Lord Jesus, that You are with me. I can trust You to calm any storms that might come my way in 2023. Thank You that you tell me in Psalm 121 that You watch over ALL our comings and goings. Nothing is hidden from you. I can be content in ALL circumstances because You are guiding me, holding my hand, and helping me overcome fears, obstacles, and troubles. I love you very much precious Lord!
Myrtle Turunen