Welcome to a brand new year! Are you excited about the next twelve months? Do you have big plans, perhaps a graduation or an exciting spring break trip? A move from high school to college, or from college to the big world?
For some of you, the flip of the calendar year is reason for anxiety. That could be true if you’re facing tumult in your family or just found out someone near and dear has a terminal illness and won’t make it another twelve months. Maybe the past 365 days were rough for you and you have no reason to believe the next 365 will be any better.
Perhaps the milestones that excite your peers—such as starting college—terrify you and you’re not looking forward to them at all.
Wherever you fall on the spectrum, you’re not alone. God holds your future, so have no fear of the new year.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Don’t be Afraid of Leopards: God Holds Your Future
While running errands a while back, my five-year-old declared from the backseat, “Mom, I’m not afraid of leopards.”
His candor brought a smile to my face. “Well that’s good,” I said, “because we don’t have any leopards around here.”
His reply? “But I wouldn’t be afraid of leopards even if we did because God is here.”
Ahh, the lessons taught by a five-year-old.
He makes a solid point: Why are we afraid of anything? God has said it plainly, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9) and, “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Need more proof? Check out Psalm 139:
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
It’s safe to say God is here with you, with me, everywhere. We have no reason to fear the coming year because with God, it’s just another year. He hasn’t changed and he hasn’t left.
No Fear of the New Year: “God, help me focus on you!”
Don’t think there’s something wrong with you if knowing God is present doesn’t automatically lay your fears to rest. Like some of the most annoying weeds in my garden, fear, anxiety, and depression put down deep roots. They have to be pulled repeatedly before they die.
But this is what’s so awesome about God: He can turn your fear into faith. He’s not like us humans who might become offended if you say, “I’m having a hard time focusing on you when you speak. Will you please help me?” God wants you to come to him in your imperfect state and he knows you need his help believing him. Find him in prayer and in his Word.
Need a starting point? Check out these 10 Powerful Bible Passages to Remember during Volatile Times (from my post on indestructible faith) and 10 Bible Passages that Confirm God’s Love for You. See also Where to Look in Scripture During Your Darkest Nights.
God holds your future. No matter what’s on your calendar, a new year brings new chances for spiritual growth, stronger faith, and a renewed closeness with him. May you move forward knowing he has great things in store for you!
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Related: Purpose & Calling: Discovering God’s Plan (article from Youth Group Ministry)
Thankful to step into this new year 2023 with faith that God has given us, because He promised in his Word:
“……And surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Love the faith of your child about not fearing the leopards because God is here. ?♥️✝️
Happy new Year, Lauren. Oh that child like faith, a faith without question!! Would that we all could hang onto that throughout our lives come good times or bad. Praise God that he sends the children to remind us. ? God bless you and your family throughout the coming year.
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