Looking Forward into the New Year

Do you have fear or anxiety about what this new year has in store for you? Claim victory over those feelings today in three steps.

Looking Forward into the New Year

This week's devotions are written by my friend Jessica Hermann, former director of our college ministry at Great Hills Baptist Church.

- Pastor Danny

There are many times in Scripture where people are encouraged to look forward. In Isaiah 43:18-19, Israel is reminded that the coming deliverance is much greater than what they have experienced in the past:

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul reminds us that when a person follows Jesus and is saved, they are a new creation. They are not who they used to be and now look toward Christ for their new identity:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul yet again speaks of looking forward. He teaches us to place our focus on the end goal: Christlikeness:

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

For the next couple days, we will look forward into the new year. Today, let's reflect on one big question:

As you look forward into 2024, what anxieties or fears do you have?

This is a big and sometimes difficult question to face. Let's work through it in three steps:

Confess. With a new year ahead, many of us may find ourselves with more dread than excitement. Even if you are excited and expectant, it is normal to feel various fears and anxieties about the unknown. Take some time now to repent of the ways you are not trusting the Lord with the year ahead. Identify these areas where you are fearful and confess them to the Lord, knowing that He responds with grace.
Fill Your Mind With Truth. When we repent of something, we turn away from it and turn toward the Lord and His truth. As you have identified and confessed fears or anxieties for the new year, replace those thoughts with the truth of Scripture. Write down any Scripture verses that you know which speak to your fears. If you can't think of any, ask a friend or a pastor. Do a quick Google search! Open your Bible and just start reading! Whatever it takes, fill your mind with truth that will guide you. Remember: His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path! (Psalm 119:105)
Respond in Faith. Ask God how He would have you respond. Move forward in faith, having confidence that the Lord is in control. He has already seen all that will happen this year. It is all within the control of His mighty hand.

Lord, would you help us to step into this new year fully surrendered to you? For all of these fears and anxieties that we have laid down at your feet today, help us to leave them there and not to pick them back up again. Your word is truth; help us to hope in your truth and to not allow our fear to guide us. Help us to walk in faith. In Jesus name, amen.