Jonathan Munson, Executive Director
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Entering a new year is like walking into uncharted territory. We might have an idea of what’s ahead, but the truth is, none of us really knows for sure. That’s why Moses’ words to Joshua are such an appropriate reminder in these early days of January.
Like us, the Israelites were somewhere between the familiar and the unfamiliar. Standing on the threshold of the long-awaited Promised Land, they felt excited, afraid, and hopeful all at once. They couldn’t go back, and they couldn’t stay where they were. Their only option was to trust God and step into the unknown.
The same is true for you and me.
But remember, while the coming year is uncharted territory for us, it is not uncharted territory for God.
Let’s soak in Moses’ wisdom for the year ahead, phrase by phrase.
• He goes before us– This year will bring its share of surprises, but nothing that happens will surprise God. As the timeless and all-knowing One, He’s already been to where we’re headed. The same God who led His people with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21) still walks before us, blazing a trail and guiding our paths.
This raises an interesting question: if the Lord goes before us, why doesn’t He remove the difficult parts of the journey?
Think of it this way. Wise parents don’t prepare the path for the child; they prepare the child for the path. If the path were always easy, the child would never grow. Likewise, our Heavenly Father uses adversity to help us become more like Jesus, deepening our trust and building resilient faith. And here’s something worth remembering: we’ll never know how many heartaches the Lord quietly protected us from. The God who “goes before us” fights battles we never even see.
• He is with us– Not only does the Lord walk ahead of us, but He is also by our side. Jesus, our Immanuel, is our constant companion. His Spirit comforts and empowers us every step of the way.
• Never leave us or forsake us– There may be times when it feels like God is distant, but He will never, ever, abandon us. No matter what happens in the next eleven months, we will not walk alone. His steady, faithful Presence will be with us until the end.
• Do not be afraid or discouraged– Fear is a natural reaction to uncertainty. Yet, we must not let it control us or steal our courage. Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s trusting God even when you’re afraid. As writer, Anne Lamott, wisely pointed out, “Courage is just fear that’s said its prayers.”
So, step into this year with confidence, not because you know every twist, turn, peak, or valley that lies ahead, but because you know the One who goes before you and holds your tomorrows in His wise and loving hands.
DIG DEEPER:
Read “What Does God Mean When He Says ‘I Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You’?” at GotQuestions.org
