Suggestions for a New Year

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7 ESV). Happy New Year is the theme for today. We’ll say it to others and it will be said to us. But, will it really be a happy year for all of us. It can be. Even though we all have storms in our lives, we must direct our thoughts to the "whatevers" in our reading this morning. When we concentrate on these things, we can experience God's peace and freedom from anxiety as we pass through our storms. Our hearts will be guarded from becoming cynical and pessimistic. And we will be able to speak peace to others because of God's peace in us! 1. First, reflect His glory. There are always going to be those times in our lives when we are frustrated and tempted to outbursts. I wish I could tell you that I have always been able to control those outbursts, but that wouldn’t be the truth. What I can tell you is that when I realize my failure and seek other’s forgiveness for any wrong I might have done to them, it is always a means of bringing peace into their lives as well as mine. It reflects the glory of God in grace. 2. Second, know that nothing is impossible. Often our biggest problem is not lack of skill or resourcefulness or time; it's lack of faith. We don't believe things can happen. But God specializes in things that seem impossible. He can do what no other can do! Depend on Him to guide and direct you. He wants to. Trust the Lord! And watch as He unfolds His plans for you, and others, in His perfect timing. 3. Third, have no fear. Experts believe that most people have four basic fears: The fear of failure, the fear of rejection, the fear of risk or loss, and the fear of success. I'm sure you have experienced at least one of these fears at one time or another. That's only human. However, the Bible has something to say about how Christians should respond to fear: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare: but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe" (cf. Proverbs 29:25). When we focus on fear, we are paralyzed from acting. But when we focus on God, on His sovereign control over all things, on His love and care for us, we can move forward in obedience and work to satisfy God's will. 4. Fourth, remember that your God reigns. God has been, is now, and will forever be in control. Because it is always harder to face the future than the past, today can be a daunting and fearful day. The news is full of foreboding. I would remind you that Jesus’ promise to us is that he will NEVER leave us, even to the end of the age! Trust Him for the future! Happy New Year!