Happy New Year, Friends ...

Photography by  http://midspix.wordpress.com/ 

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,

Because he trusts in You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock."

(Isaiah 26:3,4 NASB)

Wouldn’t it be nice to begin today with a fresh coat of paint covering over the undesirable events from 2013? To wake up to a portrait of smiling faces among the politicians – from both sides of the aisle that’s more like an abyss these days. To be engaged by co-workers, neighbors, relatives who may not agree with our stand on life-impacting issues but who respect our right to express and live out those convictions. To see careers blossoming after a long spell of unemployment. To see health in the eyes of loved ones who left suffering and weakness behind with 2013. To see innocence restored in the eyes of our school-aged children. 

But, January 1, 2014 is just a date signifying the beginning of a new calendar year. Challenges in our lives on December 31, 2013 are still challenges. Not insurmountable, but present. 

Thankfully, the Name above all Names was present today before we arrived at 12:01 AM. He’s the same today as He was yesterday and all the days past and present. The Alpha and Omega Who carried us through last year is just as loving, powerful and in control as we begin the next leg of our brief journey on planet earth.

“Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, 

will guard your hearts and your minds 

in Christ Jesus.” 

(Philippians 4:6,7 NASB) 

We can choose to make this a very happy and new year.