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Others are anticipating the promise held by a new year, and are focussing on the celebrations taking place around the word.
On January 2, conscious that our corps officer had chosen Psalm 31 as the basis for her message, I looked up the key verse in The Message: “Hour by hour I place my days in your hand …” (31:15, MSG). What a good phrase to take with me into the New Year.
As I pondered further, I found myself rejoicing inwardly on the benefits of having now lived through several decades, knowing that through those years several other Scripture verses have taken root in the very core of my being, snatches of which come readily to my mind as and when they are needed.
I know that in the year ahead I will be facing situations that have the potential to produce fears of various kinds within me. How glad I am that I can work my way through those fears by repeating to myself: “Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, MSG).
I also know that there will be times when, even now, my faith will be challenged, and that in those situations I can borrow the words of the Apostle Paul as recorded in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: “Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping” (MSG).
It may well be that 2011 will be a year in which I don't have huge challenges to face in my personal life, but it is always good to be prepared for every eventuality! Therefore, I am so glad that I know in the depth of my being that words that God originally addressed to the nation of Israel he also addresses to me: “Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end―Because I am your personal God … I paid a huge price for you … that's how much you mean to me! That's how much I love you!” (Isaiah 43:1b-4a, MSG).
So, I offer these verses to you as I wish you a truly blessed New Year.
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