None of us know what the New Year will bring….only God does. For some of us, it will be best of times. For others, the worst of times. Our challenge is to keep our eyes on the Lord in good times as well as bad. He is our Rock that enables us to stand.
Facing Life’s Challenges
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
2 Chronicles 20:12
As we embark on a brand-new year, we are hopeful and optimistic. Yet realistically we know that each year is filled with peaks as well as valleys. There will be challenges in the coming year. How will we face those challenges? What will be our strategy?
As King Jehoshaphat was facing an invasion of Edom’s vast army, he said to the Lord, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Then God’s Spirit spoke through one of the men of Judah, saying, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). As the people began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the invading armies and defeated them.
Whatever challenges we face in life, we have a choice: to either turn to God and bow down before Him or to run away in fear. If we cave in to the emotion of fear, we will be running for the rest of our lives. This is not what God wants for us. The Lord desires to give us victory in the battles we face. We are called to follow Christ for a purpose—to trust Him to do the impossible. He can and will intervene. Our life is in His hands.
Dear Lord, I don’t know what challenges I will face this coming year, but You do. Help me keep my eyes on You. Fight my battles, and give me the victory that is found in You. Amen.
(Excerpt from Be Still and Know Daily Devotional Journal, Day 1)