There are two ways you can enter into a new year, with hope or fear. I must admit that I have entered into recent New Years with a measure of fear about what they may hold. Current events and circumstances can make one feel insecure about the stability of the future. Despite my apprehensions, I know that the Lord would have me enter each new year with hope. There are great differences between hope and fear. Which one you choose to live by will determine the environment you live in. Both are very powerful.
Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
This single verse teaches so much about the power of fear. As much as a human can be, Job was a perfect man. Despite his completeness, he had a fear of losing his children and wealth. This fear became the justification for the Lord allowing such great trial to come upon him. In our desire to protect ourselves from those things we fear, we can create an environment that can make them possible. Fear is a negative thing. Focusing on our fears leads to poor decision making and over reactions. If we expect the worse we can become too cautious and protective. In extreme cases we may become paranoid.
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Hope is a positive thing. It is believing that God is able to bring to fruition his promises. It is believing that good can come out of bad situations. It is believing that sowing good will result in reaping good. A hopeful person will arrange his life in such a way to accommodate good and successful things. Hope motivates us to proceed on, even in the face of discouragement.
As you consider this new year, may you choose hope over fear. Let hope abound in your life. Make sure your hope is placed in the mercy and power of God.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
