“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

It’s a New Year, and I have an important question for you? “Do you know what will happen over the next 12 months?”  I must confess that I don’t know what will happen, and it does not really matter that I don’t, because I know the one who does.  He is the Almighty, the One that promised to give his people, Israel, a “hope and a future”, and now extends the same promise to those who believe in Him.

Recently, I observed a sight-impaired gentleman navigating some treacherous street.  This is what I saw as I watched him make his way across the road.  The individual used his walking stick to tap the surfaces, before stepping onto the cross street, and when he did, there was a defined confidence in his stride.  Sometimes he seemed to stumble, but he kept moving forward. He trusted his guide stick. All the other pedestrians crossing the street at that same time were watching out for this one individual.  I felt certain that any one of them was ready to render help if or when it was needed.

In this life, the word of God is our guide stick. The Holy Spirit encourages us to walk in the word.  Some days we may hesitate and even stumble, but if we remain in God’s word, tapping our way through each day, we will cross over to our eternal destination safely. Secondly, at any point in our journey, we have the help of the Holy Spirit, as well as the help of the other believers whom God has positioned around us to assist in our journey. Thus, we can confidently sing with Ira F. Stanphill (1950), “Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand; But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand.”

We may not know what will happen over the next 12 months, but we know the character of the One true God who brought us safely to the beginning of this New Year and we know that he is able to guide us through any unknown events that await us. He is in control.  Therefore, let us embrace the unknown with the trust and confidence of little children who know their loving Father’s heart and promise, which is to give us a “hope and a future.”

Blessed and Happy New Year!