“New Year’s: The Verge of the Unknown”
11 But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. 12 It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end. Deuteronomy 11:11-12
Today, we again, stand at the verge of another year that is quickly approaching. 2023 is about to expire with all its contents, whether good or bad, and a new year is going to begin with all its substance that will make 2024 like most new years of the past. Over the recent 12 months, we have weathered the difficulties that have made for challenging times. We have also experienced some enjoyable times that have lifted our spirits and have made life a little more pleasant.
Needless to say, there is very little warning or expectation when some of these situations may arise. Life can throw us a ‘curveball’ when we least expect it. On the other hand, life may deliver a blessing that drops right in our lap. It is one of the great limitations that come with being mortal. We just don’t know when or how these things might happen.
For this reason, we should be very careful where we place our hope for the days ahead. In Deuteronomy 11, the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordon and enter into the Promised Land; and even though God had been telling them that they would possess the land, there was much apprehension about the quest before them. God would often declare that the journey would yield the “land flowing with milk and honey”; but many times, he would not give specific details about ‘whom’, ‘where’ and ‘how’.
I believe that many of us are in the same spot today. As we look forward to another year, there are a great many people who feel uneasy about the future. Many would like more details about what lies ahead. Some people wish to know about the ‘twist and turns’ that come during the passing of time. The problem I see with this is that if we did have such insight, we would rush to the beneficial days, while attempting to avoid the hardships and trials.
With this in mind, we should consider what trials and hardships can do in the life of the Christians. James 1:2-4 says,
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Now, I am not going to try to convince you that I look forward to the troubles of life. I would much rather embrace the pleasurable times that brings laughter and enjoyment; however, there is a purpose to the process. The Apostle Paul often spoke of the endurance of hardships as that of a training measure. Romans 5:3-5 says;
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
A final thought is that God wants us to place our hope and faith in him. Dependency on God is vital to the way we practice our faith. In all things, we need to have reliance on the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to;
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
God wants us to rely on him in all things so that we build a faith in him. We can be confident that he will not fail us as we come to him for guidance, direction, and approval.
So as we enter into yet another New Year, let’s not become overwhelmed with concerned of what may lie ahead in 2024. It is all in God’s hands and I believe that there is no better place to put our days that are to come.