Third Presbyterian Church

Like the turning to a clean, crisp page unmarked by
pencil or pen, so the new year lies before us ... yet to be
discovered, yet to be lived ... full of wonder, mystery
and intrigue. And if we are honest with ourselves, a
bit of fear nags at our hearts -- fear of the unknown.
One does not have to live too many years to discover
that there are many surprises along life’s journey.
Yet, just as the winter encases us in its unpredictable
weather, so, too, the new year looms before us with a
limitation in scope for not much more beyond the here
and now. We would like to be able to study our own
individual “road map” for this new year; but if God allowed
us this foresight, would we be willing to experience
the daily moments of grace, or the usuallylearned-
the-hard-way life lessons, or the discovery
about eternal truths that can take our breath away?
Would we yearn for, and seek after, such longings as
these if we could view it all in advance? Isn’t it in the
unknowing that we are constantly reminded to turn
back to God -- to lean on Him and His understanding;
to trust in His ability to navigate us through uncharted
courses in our lives?
How easy it is for us to become side-tracked in our
Christian journey -- ever wanting and attempting to be
the one who is at the helm. But God so gently reminds
us that we do not need to be the one in control. He who
loves us and gave His very life for our redemption is
the one upon whom we are to lean. Come what may,
God is right by our side -- in sorrow and in joy -- being
our constant companion during every season of life.
What resolutions are near to our hearts this year?
What spiritual muscles do we wish to exercise? What
new challenges beckon us to accept the risk? A new
year invites us to evaluate where we have been after
the year passes; where we are at the crossroads; and
where we would like to venture in the new.
Trust in the Lord. Relax in His care. Give up anxieties
to His concern for our well-being. He is our guide
and our strength. Whom, or what, shall we fear?
~ Carol Hovland-Mitchell