Cue the confetti! Happy New Year, Friends!
I have to admit, I just love New Year’s Day. The idea of a fresh start, a clean sheet, a new chapter, excites me. But, for some, the new year holds fear and uncertainty. That’s understandable. I mean, one look at the evening news can throw anyone into an anxious state. However, I believe God is calling us to enter the new year with courage and confidence.
I always read through the book of Isaiah to prepare my heart for the new year. As I have been dwelling there the past few days, I have been encouraged by the promises God has given us. My prayer for you is that your heart also will be encouraged and your faith strengthened as we step into this new year.
God has called you by name (Isa. 43:1). Don’t you just love that? He knows you. He is aware of everything going on in your life: every fear, every concern, every doubt. He knows it all! Each of us longs to feel known, and we have that in God. He knows us completely.
God will be with you through every challenge you encounter (Isa. 43:2). No matter what you encounter this upcoming year, whether a health-related crisis, financial crisis, natural disaster or war, God’s presence will be with you. You are never alone!
God’s nature will not change (Isa. 43:3). God reminds us that He is the Lord our God. He is the same God who parted the Red Sea in the Old Testament, and the same God who healed the blind and the lame in the New Testament. He hasn’t lost His power, and He hasn’t changed his character. He is still good, faithful and holy. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
God loves you (Isa. 43:4). I know. You’ve heard that before. But, what if this year, you really let it sink in? What if in 2024, every morning when you wake up, you pause and pray, “Thank You, Lord, that you love me completely”? Here’s the thing: God doesn’t just put up with you, He’s wild about you. He calls you “precious” and “honored.” The world may view you as not worthwhile, but not God. You are treasured in His eyes.
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God forgives you (Isa. 43:25). It’s easy to get trapped in our mistakes. We feel bad and wallow in shame. However, that is not God’s will for you. He wants you to know that He has taken away all your transgressions. You don’t have to enter the new year afraid. You can stand tall with confidence because you are forgiven.
Friend, no matter what 2024 brings, you can step in confidently and courageously. God has called you by name. He will be with you, He never changes, He loves you completely, and He forgives you categorically! Happy New Year!
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Becky Harling, a bestselling author, is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is the author of 12 books, including Our Father: A Study of the Lord’s Prayer. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve, have traveled and ministered in over 70 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren. Connect with Becky at beckyharling.com, where this article originally appeared.
Bill Wiese 
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