Facing an Uncertain 2018

Chuckle: City slicker: "I finally went for a ride this morning." Ranch hand: "Horseback?" City slicker: "Yep, he got back about an hour before I did."

Quote:  “At any age it does us no harm to look over our past shortcomings and plan to improve our characters and actions in the coming year.” --Eleanor Roosevelt

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT). "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6-7 HCSB

I'm sure we all wonder what the new year will bring. If you are elderly, you may be concerned about the uncertainty of your health, medical bills, an ailing spouse, or your ability to retain your independence. As a parent, you may be struggling with financial issues as well as issues involving your children, their education, their health, and their struggles as they grow up in a corrupt society. Whatever your age, the new year brings uncertainties as well as exciting challenges and opportunities.

When I fret and worry about the uncertainties of life, I catch myself trusting in my own strength, abilities, and resources. But we Christians, have been told by Jesus himself not to worry or be anxious about anything that we may need.

"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life -- whether you have enough food, drink, or clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? . . . Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. . . Why be like the pagans who are deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Matthew 6:25, 27, 32-33 NLT).

What a simple proposition and promise -- yet it is so difficult for many of us to accept. The point here is that in 2018 we should make our relationship with God our first priority. Once we have done that, it's amazing how He will remove our worries and anxieties and meet our every need. In our Proverbs passage, we are instructed to trust the Lord with every fiber of our being, and never to depend on our own wisdom to handle our challenges and problems.

This year, no doubt you will feel inadequate to deal with difficult situations as they arise; and often you may feel as if you can't really trust anyone enough to reveal your personal problems. But God knows what is best for you, and is a far better judge of what you want and need than you are. As you begin the new year, make Him the central and vital part of everything you do. Then you can claim His promise to meet your needs and guide you because you will be striving to live according to His will and purpose for your life. It is my prayer that 2018 will be the best year of your life as you draw closer to your Lord and trust Him with all your heart.

Love, Jerry & Dotse