December 30-31

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering … Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it … God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (The Message) – Romans 12:1-2

Here we are, once again at the gateway of a new year – 2017. After the experiences of 2016, I am sure that you, like me, have feelings of uncertainty, and anticipation as I look into the year ahead.

During 2016 there has been wars and rumours of wars. Catastrophies, genocide, religious persecution, earthquakes, hurricanes and typhoons. It seems that the whole world is on the move, driven from their bombed out homes and countries, now they are homeless refugees and asylum seekers seeking peace and safety. Virtually every country in the world is experiencing opression and uprisings. Here in Britain poverty and homelessness has increased, and dependence on Foodbanks has soared.. Depression and suicides have shown a marked increase. In America there was “that election,” it's outcome will no doubt have repercussions around the world for the next five years and beyond.

And so, we enter 2017. What will this bring to each of us, individually and collectively? Whatever lies ahead, the Lord has told us not to be afraid or dismayed (Isaiah 41:10) - “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” Exodus 23:20 (NIV) Trust Me, I have everything under control.

In 1939 Britain had entered into World War11. The nation was filled with fear and foreboding at the uncertainty of war in Europe. On Christmas Eve, 24^th December 1939, King George VI spoke live on radio, to offer a message of reassurance to his people. It was to be a landmark speech and was to have an important effect on the listening public as they prepared themselves for the death, desolation, and destruction of war – life would never be the same again.

The Third Reich of Nazi Germany had ruled since Hitler took over in 1933. Germany had become a fascist totalitarian state and the Hitler regime spread terror across Europe until 1945.

On that BBC radio broadcast, King George VI spoke words of peace and calm to his people, reminding them of the only King who can provide true peace and real rest.

King George said: “A new year is at hand. We cannot tell what it will bring. If it brings peace, how thankful we shall all be. If it brings us continued struggle we shall remain undaunted.”

He went on to quote from Minnie Haskins’ poem “The Gate of the Year” (1908) :

I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year,
‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’

And he replied,

‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be better than light, and safer than a known way.’

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.                                                            And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

The poem’s wisdom was true for the British people on that Christmas Eve, because it has been true since the beginning of time. It is the truth of knowing that God is our only safe harbour and He will lead and direct our lives. It is a reminder to trust in Him alone, the One who is sovereign over all things and the only One who can light our path into the unknown of 2017.

As you look forward to a new year, be reassured that your future will be secure in the hand of God. Spend more time in the Word and in prayer, along with worship and Christian fellowship. The only thing we know for certain about 2017 is that we do not know what the year will bring. But we are to “fear not,” because we do know the One who knows all things and holds the future – our future, in His hands.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Marilla Ness sings “Be Not Afraid” for our music this New Year. Click on the picture to listen.