“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11.

As we embark upon the New Year…an unknown future is just ahead, but the good thing is that it is carefully planned by the Lord God Almighty! Certainly, there will be many decisions that we must make as we move forward-some will prove to be easy and some a lot more challenging and seem outright impossible at times. But the bright light that shines for every born-again believer is that God is faithful. true, and trustworthy… we can rest assured that His plans for what lies before us, far exceeds our greatest imagination! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11.

God never promised that this journey called life would be plain and simple. But, if we believe in Him, we must also wholeheartedly trust Him. In times that we may waver in His trustworthiness, we must ask ourselves- what is it that I am not trusting God with today- that is exactly where our obedience breaks down. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23.

We are to trust Him even when we may not agree or understand His will; as a result, we often must cry out, “I trust you Lord, but this hurts and stings!” Ultimately it takes total surrender to His will-meaning that we will resolve to trust Him in and through all things that come our way. “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:4.

Would you agree that the faithfulness of any promise is dependent on the character of the promiser? God Almighty is faithful and true-His promises are unfailing and yes…praise God, we can depend on Him forever! “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Our peace, joy, and mental stability can be found as we stay in His word- it is our guiding light and source of comfort through every trial and tribulation. “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” Psalm 143:8.

I recently heard a story of a man who needed to take a faraway journey; however, the travel expense was exceedingly great…therefore he worked and saved everything he could, finally he was able to go abroad. In his preparation he made sure to pack a ration of cheese crackers and a bottle of water for each meal; at every meal as all the other passengers went into the captain’s dining room to enjoy their meals…he found a solitary space down under the deck and ate his crackers and water. Sometime along the journey a worker noticed that he was eating a small snack there alone…of course when asked why he explained that he certainly didn’t have the funds to enjoy the sumptuous meal with all the other guest…he went on to say that he could barely afford the passage-lo and behold the man was astonished and said…didn’t you know that the meals are included in with your ticket?!

My friends, sometimes we forfeit the blessings that God has already prepared for us from the foundations of the world…we allow those old imposters of fear, and unbelief to cloud our trust in Him… but He is faithful and will always provide all that we need. So let us resolve that this year will catch us trusting in God every single step of the way- good, bad or indifferent-why because we walk by faith and not by sight!  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Happy New Year, remember He is trustworthy…for great is thy faithfulness!