by Susan Brinley

The requisite reflection over the past year usually provokes a mixture of responses.  We’ve heard, and perhaps have even said, “thank goodness that year is behind us!” or “I can’t wait to see what this year will bring.”  As optimistic as we may be, we all face a degree of uncertainty about what will unfold in our lives.   Our great choice and challenge will be how we receive and respond to the times and circumstances before us.
 
We have some personal choices about which we may be proactive:  relationships with family and friends, spiritual goals, career or ministry goals, health or physical goals.  Our efforts to address these may be blessed as we seek His direction and strength in these matters.
 
On the other hand, it is the unexpected that will come our way that we also need to meet and react to in a godly way.  God’s faithfulness and His resources are the encouragement we need for the days ahead.
 
God’s mercies are new every day.  Lamentations 3:22-23:  It is because of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.
 
God’s love and care is unfailing.  Jeremiah 31:3:  The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.
 
God is always with us.  Genesis 28:15:  And behold, I am with thee and will keep thee in all places. . . .
 
God always means our circumstances for our good and growth, for our continued transformation toward Christlikeness.  Romans 8:28-29:  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son. . . .
 
May we find deeper contentment in all our circumstances.  May we see His hand of love as our resource every day in strength, wisdom and grace to become more Christlike—so that we may boldly say, “The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).