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Forward: go forth, onward, progressive, ahead, leading, forth, forefront, to the fore, further, advancing.
Sound like great words to start off a New Year, don’t they? But however strong and determined we start out in January, we seem to get sluggish somewhere around February!
However sluggish the past year may have been, through all the ups and downs, didn’t the Lord provide for you all He thought was necessary and in His own timing?
Setting up a stone of remembrance for all the Lord had done to rescue him and defeat his enemies, Samuel said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!” (1 Sam. 7:12b NLT)
Did the enemy pursue you this past year? Did you experience the Lord’s presence with you? Were you aware of His canopy of care covering you? Did He provide shelter and sustenance, even if in quantities less than desired?
Through all the contrary times, through sickness, through loss, through poverty, through grief, through trials, through temptations…the Lord has provided up to this point. (A Stone of Remembrance)
So, what will happen in the scary new year?
A myriad of challenges will confront each of us every day. How will we handle them?
As Jesus once said to a man whom He was about to heal, “Step forward.” (Mark 3:3b NKJV) Will you step forward believing and trusting for the answer to that which you need, remembering what God has done for you in the past? Or will you hang back in the shadows afraid to move ahead, forgetting God’s providence?
Just as God told Isaiah, He says to you and me, “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like Me.” (Is. 46:9 NLT)
God will again make His provisions available in the New Year for it is in His plan for each of us. He says, “I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jer. 29:11 Msg)
However, His plan will only unfold daily, as we trust Him for each step…
Be assured that no matter what happens on your journey this year, He is the source of your fresh mercies every morning. He will never fail you. He will walk by your side along each rocky bend in the road and carry you through each heartache and loss.
God will see you through to the end of next year. Will you live as Abraham…“By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country.” (Heb. 11:9a NKJV)…
I am ready to step into the journey of each new day of this year, greeting each one in faith and with God’s mercy.
How about you? Are you ready? How will you greet the challenges of your new journey? (Stepping into the Unknown).
The New Year – with all its surprises, joys, blessings, and, yes, even heartaches – lies ahead. Go forward to conquer whatever comes your way, hand in hand with the Joy-Bringer, the Deliverer, the Comforter, the Guide, the Peace-Giver.
*Thank you to all my sweet readers, to all of you who spend your precious time with me, reading (and commenting on) what the Lord places on this ol’ heart.
*I wish you all a very happy New Year. May the Lord fill it with wonder, your heart’s desires, special surprises, guidance, protection, provision, peace, and comfort.
*May you have no rearview-mirror glimpses of regret, shame, or unforgiveness from the old year passing away.
*May your back be to the contrary circumstances of the year behind; may your feet be firmly planted in the present; and may your heart be guarded with the hope of a better new year.
Now, go ahead…
***This post is part of the ChristianWriters.com monthly blog chain. Check out the other participants in the sidebar.
Every new year is an unknown quantity. Will it bring success, or will it completely change my life, as 2012 did? All we know is, God will be there. He is forever!
~ VT
Amen, Dave! Such a comfort to know God will be with us through everything. Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m grateful for your comment. May you have a year filled with abundant blessings!
How often do we set up the wrong stones of remembrance… Lingering at the foot of self erected idols of failures, pains, and insecurities.
Thank you, Lynn, for such an encouraging reminder to shift and stay our focus where it belongs…on HIM…WHO HE is, and all that HE has done for us!
Many Blessings for a healthy and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Beautifully said, Marlo. Thank you, sweetie, for commenting. I love hearing from you. And thank you for the New Year blessings. May your New Year be filled with blessings as well!
Lynn, I couldn’t help but giggle when I saw your quote from Samuel. I just used the same quote in my post. Great minds? Actually, believing hearts. Great post, Lynn. Lots to contemplate as we begin another new year.
I haven’t had a chance to stop by your place. But I will. Thanks so much, sweetie, for stopping by and commenting. Makes my heart happy. Blessings to you for the New Year!
Happy New Year
going forward following Christ, remembering what God has done in the past,
biiiiiiiiiiiiiiig hug
Thanks so much, Jack, for taking time to visit and comment. I appreciate it. Hope you have a blessed New Year!
Lynn,
This past year has been the hardest time of my 61 years. My mom moved in with us and she has Dimentia and is very difficult. I have been amazed how the Lord has met me at every nook and cranny. But I still let my “self” get in the way and worry what the New Year will bring. I want to Forward March!! Your post is great and I will post these scriptures on my fridge to dwell and pray on every day. Thank you!!
Oh, Kris, I know it must be hard. We had to put hubs’ mother in memory care. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. Praying for you. May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort.
I loved your reference to Mark 3:3. Perfectly appropriate. It takes a bit of human courage; but less than we think if we trust in Him who can do all things. Lovely way to start the new year and our theme, Lynn.
Thanks so much, sweet Carol! You always make my heart happy! May you have a perfectly God-filled New Year! Bless you!
I love the idea of not entering the new year with rearview mirror regrets , shame or unforgiveness. What a great way to visualize a fresh start!!! Blessings in the New Year, Lynn!
Awww, thank you, Heather! So glad you liked it. I’m grateful for your visit and comment. Hope your New Year if filled with blessings!
Oh, Nona, I’m so sorry to learn this. Thanks so much for stopping by. I deeply appreciate it. I’ll be praying for you to find God’s best quickly!
Excited to see what God has in store for each of us. I’m ready, with your inspiring words in mind
Hey, Chris! Thank you so much! I’m so happy you stopped by. I love hearing from you. I think I’m excited…LOL I appreciate your kind words. May your New Year be filled with sweet blessings!
“…..didn’t the Lord provide for you all He thought was necessary and in His own timing?” Wow. Um….yes. But sometimes it still feels like Forward Shuffle instead of Forward March. Oh the besetting fears of what if and why and how come and how will it go! It’s the great cloud of witnesses before me that gives me the courage to move forward.
Amen, Keri! And they cheer us on, don’t they? I’m so grateful to have you visit. Thank you so much for commenting. Bless you!