The new year brings many expectations, many hopes, many dreams and for many – a new beginning. What will you and I face in the new year? None of us really know, but we can have confidence, assurance, courage, and the awareness that God is with us as we face the challenges of a new year.
In Genesis 1, God reveals “the beginning” (Gen.1:1) and then all throughout chapter one, certain phrases are repeated “And God said,” (Gen. 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24,26, 29); “God saw,” (Gen. 1:4,10,12,18,21,25,31); “God called,” (Gen.1:5, 8, 10); “God made,” (Gen. 1:7, 16, 25,31); “God created,” (Gen. 1:1,21, 27); “God set,” (Gen. 1:17); “God Blessed,” (Gen. 1:22, 28).
This shows the activity of God – that God started creation! He made the very beginning! He is the Creator, the author of the whole universe! Not only did He create it, He is the one who sustains it. “15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17, NIV). Christ is the perfect representation of God! These verses also indicate that Jesus was actively involved in creation and that Jesus “holds all things together!” (v.17). That tells me of God’s sustaining power is at work in creation today!
How will this knowledge help me face a new year? As I put my faith and trust in God – I have the assurance that He is at work in me, through me, around me for His good, for His purpose and for His glory. I can know that He is with me as Jesus declared in Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
So, may this new year bring a “new beginning” of trusting in God as Creator, Sustainer and Savior – for God’s glory. As a worshipper, I can enter into God's presence knowing Him as Creator, Sustainer, and Savior! Praise the Lord!
Blessings in the New Year
Teddy
(Worship Devo Wk 1, 2017)