What the New Year Brings
The new year comes bearing gifts.
For some, it is the gift of relief-relief that the last year is over. For others, a new year brings hope-hope for the future and hope for a better year. A new year can also bring anticipation for all that will come. My husband and I have anticipated our vacation plans for this year. Sometimes though, gifts are given that aren’t desired. A new year may bring unwanted gifts of fear and uncertainty. The unknown of what lies ahead this year can bring paralyzing fear.
When it comes to expectations and the plans we make for the new year, we tend to plan for and look forward to good things. We look forward to fun activities, new experiences and increased blessings. We set goals to attain things and experiences that are desired. When I consider my thoughts and what I anticipate for this year, I wonder, what if I looked forward to everything God wants to do in and through me this year?
And what if the story He’s written for me this year involves more challenge, increased pain, loss and trial?
Can I anticipate with great hope what God will do this year in my life? Do I have the faith to trust that whatever He has in store will result in my good? Or does fear of the unknown keep me frozen in place, unable to take a step forward?
These questions percolate in my mind reminding me that the Christian life is a journey on the road less taken. This road is so narrow and less traveled because of the pain and suffering that accompanies the journey. Not many want to endure the trials found there. Jesus challenged those who follow Him to “count the cost,” because following Him requires sacrifice. While the trials, sacrifice and suffering may take on different forms for each of us, it is all painful and difficult.
James tells us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (1:2) As I look ahead into 2012, anticipating what God is going to do, I need to face the future with joy. This joy comes from the knowledge that Jesus already paved the way down this difficult road when He suffered and died for my sins. Since I’m already forgiven and adopted as a child of the Father, I am free to face the new year without fear.
While this year may involve new adventures and fun with my family, it may also include challenges and trials. Regardless what the future holds, it is all a blessing from God. He only gives that which is good for us because “the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3,4)
May we all face this new year and accept the gift of hope that it brings. May this hope in Jesus strengthen us to continue the journey down the narrow path. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
“I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:16-18
Linking up with:
Lisa tarplee
January 10, 2012 at 10:19 pm (2 years ago)It’s a real challenge to pray for God’s will knowing that it may bring pain and things we would not naturally chose. I’ve wrestled with this lately as I’ve prayed for the family of a close friend in critical condition. What if God wants to write pain and loss into her children’s life? Is he still good through devastating pain.
Of course, the answer is always yes, even for things we would never chose for ourself or want to see others go through. He is writing our stories and He knows best what we need and will not withhold it from us. Indeed, we rejoice in Him in all things.
Beautiful post.
toshowthemjesus
January 11, 2012 at 5:03 pm (2 years ago)For me, it’s always what I know in my head to be true making it’s way into my heart. Thanks for your kind words, my friend:)
Sharon Osvald
January 11, 2012 at 10:40 am (2 years ago)This is a topic that God is walking me through as well. You worded it so well. Knowing that God is good and in control even when life doesn’t make sense. Thanks for sharing.
toshowthemjesus
January 11, 2012 at 5:02 pm (2 years ago)Thanks so much for stopping by! Sometimes the words that are on my heart don’t always translate well into my posts. So glad they made sense this time:)
Christina
January 11, 2012 at 1:46 pm (2 years ago)Great post, very thought provoking, as usual!
I don’t think of hope as the opposite of fear, but rather that faith and hope, as you said, have to go hand in hand, so that you’re not paralyzed… And then there’s healthy fear… no one needs to jump off a cliff, but anticipating the ledge is a good thing.
toshowthemjesus
January 11, 2012 at 5:01 pm (2 years ago)Thanks for stopping by:) Fear is a hard thing to face, but “perfect love casts out fear.” I continue to pray that I can face my fears with the strength of Christ.
kanalykoaster
January 11, 2012 at 4:52 pm (2 years ago)“Jesus challenged those who follow Him to “count the cost,” because following Him requires sacrifice.”
So true and something that hits very, very close to my heart. I told my family over the holidays that we have chosen the path of home education for our children and the response that I have recieved has been extremley painful. But, the sweet Spirit keeps reminding me that this path for our family is one of following after Him and therefore there will be obstacles and “there will be a cost”.
Thanks for writing this and encouraging us all that this narrow path is well worth every trial we face.
toshowthemjesus
January 11, 2012 at 4:59 pm (2 years ago)So sorry to hear about your family’s response to your decision:) It’s hard when those closest to us aren’t supportive. Take courage in knowing that Jesus too was rejected by those He loved most. Blessings to you my friend as you go on this journey.
Rhonda Schrock
January 12, 2012 at 10:33 am (2 years ago)Yes, may I “overflow with hope” in this New Year. And may it splash on others close by!!
mebswick
January 18, 2012 at 3:50 pm (2 years ago)walking the path on uncertainty is definitly trying and hard… but in the dark of confusion - we look to the light of the lord…
as things seem more and more uncertain with my foster babies (in my head and heart - nothing factual) i look more and more to the light of him who can carry me through it