It’s time to say good-bye to 2024. Our journey through life is filled with a myriad of experiences which shape our lives. As we close out this year you may be reflecting on this year with mixed feelings. That said, here are a few scripture verses which I hope encourage you as you journey into the new year…
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who says to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13
God doesn’t simply send an angel to hold your right hand. The God of heaven and earth personally holds your right hand. This is a figurative expression of His closeness to us and His personal care for us. He says that we are not to fear because He personally helps us – “I am the one who helps you.”
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
We will all “pass through waters” and rivers of hardship and uncertainty and walk through the fires of life. But God promises, “I will be with you.” Personally. Presently. In-the-midst of the fire, like He was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
God isn’t so busy running the universe that He doesn’t have time for our petty worries. He tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him. Why? Because HE CARES FOR YOU. He cares about you. He cares about your children and grandchildren. He cares about you in your job. He cares about your church. He cares for you, that you would have joy and strength.
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
Talk about intimacy! Jesus calls us His friends! Intimate friends. Friends are intimate and share with each other. And Jesus makes known His Father and His Father’s words and ways to us.
I want to challenge you to be a collector of scripture verses that encourage you and then share them with others.
Joyfully on the Journey,
Beverly Pop