by Chris Steele

January 7, 2007

As we cross over the threshold into the New Year, the future may be unknown and uncertain to us, but we are not afraid. We have a confidence, knowing that the Lord is with us, guiding us down the path of life, just as he always has done with His faithful ones.

We need no cloudy pillar to lead us by day or one of fire to guide us by night (Exodus 13:21-22). Our Lord has given us his Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). His Truth will make us wise unto salvation and complete and perfect in every way (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2:15).

When Israel entered the new territory of the promised land, the Lord encouraged Joshua saying, “be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9). The fearless leader in turn told Israel, “Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you” (Joshua 3:10).

No matter what this new year may bring; happiness or sadness, wealth or poverty, life or death, we can rest assured that the Lord has gone before us, leaving us an example that we should follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21). He made us (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17) and understands our frail nature. He knows exactly how we feel (Hebrews 4:12-15). As we face the coming days, we must always remember to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

As we look forward, let’s not forget to look back and remember the many faithful who have gone on before us. With the help of God they succeeded in reaching the end of their journey (Hebrews 12:1). We anticipate that day when we reach the end of our travels here on earth, that we may join them in those realms above.