As another year passes by I’m reminded of a saying I’ve heard since my childhood. People would often say, “The older you get the faster time goes by!” When I would hear people say that when I was a child I would think “Those old people are crazy! Time doesn’t go any faster just because you are old!” While it’s true time does not actually go by any faster it certainly seems to! In fact, the older I get the more I see time “flying by.” It literally seems like just a month ago that we were entering into the year 2024. And now here we are on the verge of 2025.
For many people a new year is one of the most fearful times they face. The uncertainties of tomorrow can even cause physical sickness in the hearts and minds of many folks. But while the unknowns of the future are often overwhelming, they don’t have to control our lives.
How are we to respond as Christians? Should we have fear in our hearts as we face another year? The answer is a resounding “Absolutely not!” As Christians, we belong to a sovereign God who holds all of the uncertainties of tomorrow in the palm of His hand. And it’s in this truth we can find great comfort and hope.
Every new year I think of Joshua chapter one. This text records events that took place approximately 3400 years ago. But, I believe that the Word of God is just as true and relevant to us today as when these events occurred. The Israelites had been delivered from Egyptian bondage. They had been in wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses had died and now Joshua was the people’s new leader. They are just east of the Jordan River and are about to cross into Promised Land. Talk about uncertainties! None of the Jews knew quite what to expect at that point. But in the midst of their great uncertainties God tells Joshua 3 different times not to despair. He says to Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage” (V. 6, 7, 9).
Let me remind you– God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And I believe that just as God sought to encourage Joshua in a time of uncertainty, He also would have each of us face the uncertainties of 2025 with the same courage and strength. Again, we don’t have to fret and despair. We don’t have to fear a new year. God is already there! And just as sure as He was with the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land, so is His presence with each of His children no matter where you are as you enter 2025.
Being reassured of God’s promises and His presence is the greatest way to face the uncertainties of any new year. And we find such reassurance in His Word. I want to encourage everyone to commit to reading God’s Word daily in the coming year. It will not only give you the confidence you need to face tomorrow, but it will also help you to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
By His Grace,
Pastor Johnny
