The blessing of a new year
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it's natural to reflect on the journey behind us and look ahead with hope and anticipation. This transition offers a perfect moment to pause and consider our spiritual walk, recognizing God's faithfulness in our past and His promises for our future.
The concept of Ebenezer, drawn from the prophet Samuel's actions, serves as a powerful reminder of God's constant presence in our lives. Just as Samuel erected a stone altar to commemorate God's help, we too can acknowledge that "up to this point, God has been with us." But it doesn't stop there – this recognition also carries the assurance that "from this point forward, God will be with us." It's a dual perspective that grounds us in gratitude for the past while filling us with hope for the future.
As we contemplate our place in the grand tapestry of creation, Psalm 8 offers a humbling yet awe-inspiring perspective. The psalmist marvels, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them? Human beings that you care for them?" It's a profound question that highlights the vastness of God's creation and the miracle of His personal attention to each of us.
This divine attention is beautifully encapsulated in the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:22-27. Here, we see God's desire to bless His people, instructing the priests to pronounce these words:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Each line of this blessing carries deep significance. The promise of God's protection, His grace shining upon us, and the peace that comes from His presence are gifts beyond measure. It's a reminder that the Creator of the universe desires to be intimately involved in our lives, offering us His favor and guidance.
As we enter the new year, we're invited to embrace this blessing fully. But how do we position ourselves to receive it? The apostle Paul's prayer for the Colossians offers insight: "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives" (Colossians 1:9). This prayer highlights the importance of seeking God's will with spiritual wisdom and understanding.
In practical terms, this means being attentive to God's voice in our lives. It involves asking ourselves: What is God doing in my family? In my personal life? In my vocation? Where is God leading me? These questions aren't always easy to answer, and the journey to discovering God's will can be challenging. As shared in one testimony, sometimes the path God sets before us is filled with obstacles – car accidents, theft, career uncertainties. Yet, it's in these moments that our faith is tested and strengthened.
The testimony reminds us that when we believe God has led us somewhere, we shouldn't give up easily in the face of difficulties. Instead, we're called to walk in faith, trusting that God has a purpose even when the road is rough. This perseverance is beautifully illustrated in the story of someone who had long desired to be baptized but faced repeated setbacks. Their eventual baptism became a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and perfect timing.
As we look to the future, we're encouraged to approach it with childlike faith. Jesus himself said, "Be like these little children." In our complex adult lives, we often overcomplicate matters. Yet, there's a simplicity and purity in the praise and trust of children that builds a fortress of protection around us. This childlike faith doesn't mean naivety; rather, it's about trusting God completely, praising Him in all circumstances, and believing in His goodness even when we don't understand His ways.
The new year presents an opportunity for rededication. It's a time to come before God with humility, laying our desires, dreams, and plans at His feet. In this act of surrender, we acknowledge that while we may make plans, it is God who ultimately directs our steps. We're invited to pray for open doors that align with God's will for our lives and for the wisdom to recognize and accept when certain doors need to remain closed.
As we enter this new chapter, we carry with us the assurance of God's presence. The same God who created the moon and stars with His fingers is mindful of us, cares for us, and desires to bless us. We're encouraged to lift our eyes to the sky, recognizing that God's love for us is beyond measure. He saves our lives and comes through every single time, even when we can't see the way forward.
In the face of global challenges and personal struggles, we're reminded that our lives belong to God. We're part of His family, bearing His name. This identity gives us strength and purpose as we navigate the uncertainties of the future. We're called to make roots where we need to grow, to cut away what no longer serves God's purpose in our lives, and to be open to the new things God wants to do.
As we step into the new year, let's do so with hearts full of gratitude for God's faithfulness in the past and eyes fixed on His promises for the future. May we walk in the blessing of His presence, experiencing His protection, grace, and peace in deeper ways. Let's embrace the journey ahead with childlike faith, trusting that God's face is turned toward us, His light guiding our path.
In every step, may we remember: We've been walking in His love, made strong by His blood. We don't need to run anxiously or strive in our own strength. Instead, we can rest in the assurance that God's love overcomes all obstacles. As we lift our eyes to the sky, may we see His light breaking through, reminding us that He saves our lives and comes through every single time.
