Although a New Year is usually celebrated with joyful expectation, for some, it brings an uncertainty of what might lie ahead in the coming year, especially if the last year brought sorrow, loss, and lack.

Many of us have faced hardships this past year, unexpected, difficult to navigate, and might be feeling pretty beat up from life over the last year, still in recovery and restoration mode, looking ahead to the New Year. If so, it’s understandable that we are somewhat reluctant to start all over again when we’re still struggling from the year before.

But as Christians, we don’t have to be fearful of facing uncertainty, because even if we don’t know what might lie ahead for us, our heavenly Father does know, and His word tells us that He is with us, leading us forward in this life.

God tells us in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”

As well, God encourages us throughout the Bible to have faith in Him, to trust Him, because we don’t need to be fearful. He calls us to take on five traits when fear tries to overcome our faith. Listen to this episode to hear what those five traits are.

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” - Psalm 56:3

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear Father,
As we look ahead to the New Year, we are holding on tight to Your righteous right hand, knowing that even though fear tries to tear apart our faith and away from Your hand, it is holding onto us. Strengthen us, dear Lord, to be courageous, sound-minded, unshakable, fearless, and most of all peaceful. Help us find comfort and confidence in knowing You’ve got a hold on us that cannot be broken. As we enter the days ahead, leading us into the uncertainty of a new year, we know that with You, our futures are certain.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen. 

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. If struggling with fear as we approach the New Year, look to the Bible for verses that help embolden your faith. Write them down and read daily, maybe carry them with you wherever you go on your phone to strengthen you when fear tries to knock you to your knees and drag you down.

2. Ask God to help you be courageous like David when faced with fear that seems as destructive and powerful as a bear, or a giant, or a mad King. During these fearful times, practice leaning on Him rather than giving in to fearful thoughts.

3. Find some Christian autobiographies to read, ones of individuals who relied on their faith in God over the fears they were facing in their lives. Read them to help encourage you in your own faith-over-fear battles.