For many people this time of the year can be really depressing. The celebrations are over, families have returned to their homes from visiting their loved ones for the holidays, end of the year vacations are over, people are back to work, and kids are back at school! It can be a very lonely time for parents and grandparents, since the hustle and bustle of a house full of children and grandchildren has now turned to quietness and solitude. It all appears to be back to the same old, same old routine till the next visit, or even the next Christmas/New Year season.
There can also be a certain amount of anxiety that comes from facing the unknown of the new year which is spread out before us. I can definitely understand where such feelings may surface for those individuals experiencing the uncertainty of the next 12 months. How will our health be? What will the economy be like as the year unfolds? Who will not be with us anymore at the end of the year?
The devil wants us to dwell on things we do not know about or things we cannot control. His desire is to cause us to worry and anguish, instead of enjoying each day as the Lord blesses us. Trusting in the promises of God to be with us in any and every circumstance is the means by which we can overcome those feelings of depression, anxiety, and fear of uncertainty. For it was in Jesus we were able to see the full truth of God’s Word. This is proof there would be nothing God would not do to provide for those He calls His own.
A hymn I think about when I begin to drift into a mindset of concern about what might, or might not be, as life plays itself out, is this; “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”. Here are verses 1-2, 3 of this song:
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while troubles last And our eternal home!
Amen, thank you Lord for Your loving care for us Your children!
Pastor McCarty
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