When we started 2012, I wonder how many people imagined the year we would have.  The three top news stories for this year were the Newtown shootings, the extremely hard-fought presidential election and coming in third was super storm Sandy.  Along with worries about a lingering recession and our economic plight, many have stated they are facing 2013 with fear and intimidation.  A Washington Post and ABC News poll showed that only half of all Americans are hopeful as they approach the upcoming year.

Well, I can understand this line of thinking…up to a point; we are only human.  When we lean on our own understanding, we allow fear of the unknown to impede our thinking.  Then those things that started out as tiny thoughts can soon have us spinning out of control and we are filled with dread with what we have already figured out in our minds is going to be bad.

I am going to try and face this New year looking forward and shrug off any uncertainties about trepidations I may be feeling.  Sometimes I am filled with dread regarding particular circumstances I know I am going to have to face.  Then I have to remember that when I think this way I am saying to Him that He is not able and His Word is not true.  Then I have to say, “When has He ever failed you?” 

Every word, every circumstance in the Bible is pure truth and I believe it was put in written form for us to be reminded of all His promises.  He knew our hearts would grow faint at times.  I have to remind myself of the stories of David, Joseph, Ruth and Saul, for example, and remember how He turned each one of their seemingly hopeless situations into a future with hope.  I will also try to remember this coming year to thank Him more for all He has done and continues to do for me…sometimes I think He must say, “If you only knew!”

We pray you will look forward to 2013 with hope and confidence in the Lord and that it will be your best year ever!