I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:3b-4 NLT
These words were originally spoken by God to Israel as a reminder of His promises to this nation and people. With the advent of Jesus Christ to this world, these promises transferred to all people everywhere. More importantly, they transfer to you if you acknowledge God as your Lord.When we face the prospect of a new year we are filled with anticipation and expectancy. Most of the time those thoughts are positive and hopeful. Often in the back of our minds we realize that a new year may also bring new challenges. We fear the loss of a loved one, a serious medical diagnosis, the phone call in the middle of the night, emerging problems with our children, and myriad other things. All of our human condition and experience can be surrendered to God because He promises to be with us our entire life.
He is part of our past: “I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born.”
He is part of our present: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime.”
He is part of our future: “...until your hair is white with age.”
His promises include every stage of our life and certainly every stage of a new year. Here is what He offers for you and I today: “I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”
What a God! All He ever asks from any of us is for us to put our lives and loves into His hands and management. Allow Him to lead your life. Pursue your relationship with God at a new level of trust and closeness. Live in the security of His promises to you. Here is a great prayer to make a daily prayer adapted from Psalm 31:14-15a:
Dear God, "But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying,
'You are my God!' My future is in your hands."
And so it is in your hands, Lord. I will leave it there all year long. Amen.