Lord Jesus,

Here in the darkness of winter, we approach a new year. This year is used up, as are we.

We look with anticipation and anxiety at the coming days. We hope for peace and safety. We long for resolution to ongoing trials. We worry that life will become more difficult to manage.

We want a clean slate.

Turning the page on the calendar will not solve all our problems or absolve all our sins, but perhaps as we stand on the precipice of this new year, we can turn some pages in our hearts and lives.

Lord, help us to turn

• from unbelief to complete trust in You,
• from self-centeredness to service,
• from restlessness and anxiety to prayer,
• from dependence on the whims of this world’s systems to total dependence on You,
• from despair to Your glorious hope,
• from uncertainty to the full assurance of faith.

This can happen, Lord.

We can make these changes if we place the blank pages of this new year firmly in Your hands.

We can walk forward with confidence and strength and hope, holding to Your promises, Your word.

We can face this year with joy, knowing that whatever the future holds, You hold the future.

Here is my new calendar, Lord.

Fill it up with You and hold me as we face this adventure together.

Joshua 1:⁸ This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. ⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

Photo – Sunrise at Gulf Shores, Courtesy of Leslie Moon