As we leave the old year and enter a new year, we can have the assurance that even if we do not know what the future year holds in store for us, we do know WHO holds the future in His hands! What are your hopes as you enter this New Year? What challenges do you fear? Jesus is ALWAYS with us when we have surrendered our lives to Him.
Psalm 91:1- 2 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” The NLT version says God is our “place of safety.” Do you feel safe in Christ’s love? Can you walk into 2024 with confidence and trust in Father God that He, who has brought you thus far safely, will continue to be with you, protecting you and looking after your needs.
I was drawn to Rev. 7:15b where it speaks about those in heaven, who are clothed in white and who have come victoriously out of the tribulation and worship God – that “He who sits on the throne will SHELTER them with His presence.” THAT is the key to our survival in any situation – to be under the sheltering, loving presence of Abba Father God. The Holy Spirit is with us every moment of the day…as close as the air we breathe, but sometimes we forget that He dwells in us, longing to help us and bless us with his sweet presence.
We need not fear the enemy, Satan, who strives to come against us and attack us because Psalm 61:3 states, “For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy” and Psalm 31:20a says that God hides us in the secret place of His presence.
Minnie L Haskins wrote a beautiful poem about entering the new year. It reads – ““And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year; ”Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And He replied; ”Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
Blessed, precious Lord Jesus, thank You that You are already in 2024, that I can step into Your light which will guide my path and my footsteps. You said in John 8:12, ”I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” [John 8:12]
Thank You precious Lord, that You are my refuge and my strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) Thank You that in the day of trouble You will hide me in Your tabernacle and set me high on a rock. (Psalm 27:5) THAT Rock is Jesus my Saviour, my King, my Good Shepherd, my safe place and my fortress. I love You, oh Lord, my shelter from the storm and my Redeemer in whom I trust and live.
Myrtle Turunen