1. God is here for you
As we begin this new year, our excitement will soon be replaced with reality as we are confronted with different aspects of life. Among the many concerns and questions our hearts must face include: What kind of year will this be? How different will it be from the past one? What must we do to succeed in this new year? How will we deal with challenges and even enemies?
Regardless of the memories of the previous year that follow you into this new year, it is good to know that God has good plans for all who put their trust in Him. God is not wringing His hands and wondering how to take care of you.

He is your Shepherd. He will be with you every moment and every day of this new year. He will take care of you and He will meet your needs.

God understands how challenges of life may make you weak and weary. He will hold your hand and lead you to quiet waters that will refresh your spirit and replenish your strength.

In moments of fear and despair, not only will He restore your soul, but He will be present to comfort and to walk with you.

God will take care of your enemies. He will not leave you to face their well connived schemes alone. He will catch them in their schemes, but He will lift your head above them in every way.

God will overshadow you with His presence and mercy everyday until He finally calls you home to be with Him forever. Find strength and consolation for this new year as you read meditate on Psalm 23.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

2. God is in charge
God has power to direct your life in unfathomable ways this year. Let not your heart be troubled as you look at the days ahead with anticipation. Life begins with God and God has power over all His creation.
In Genesis 1:1-4 God introduces us to Himself and the power of His hands saying, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”

You are not born to fate. You are created in the image of God. God takes care of His creation. Regardless of the means through which you came to the world, know that God is your creator and He only creates what is good and needed.

God has power to turn things around for your good. The God who turned the formless world filled with darkness to have light and to give life, still has the same thrill for all His creation.

It is God’s desire that:

Man has an honorable position
Man goes through life blessed and fulfilled
Man’s specific needs are met
Man’s physical and emotional needs are met

Trust this powerful God to speak peace and hope in hopeless situations. Allow Him to mold you into a vessel of honor that will display His glory and splendor. Let God’s Spirit be at work in your life this year. When God is in charge, life is never the same again.

3. Be in touch with God
When our vehicles and other important useful equipment malfunction, we take them to their specific dealers or manufacturers for repair and maintenance. For man, our creator is God. He understands how He made us. He knows what constitutes us and what we can handle in life.

As the new year begins, purpose to be in touch with God. Life becomes unbearable when you are far away from Him. You cannot handle all the stresses and troubles that confront you without His help. Look at His timely counsel from Psalm 32:8-11 as you seek ways in which to succeed and prosper in this new year.
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.”
Take time and listen to God this year. Purpose to seek His counsel and wait on His direction. Share your heart with Him as you would do with a close friend. Allow Him to govern every aspect of your life. Life is different when God is by your side. Fear will not characterize your life when He speaks to your daily situations. Be in touch with God and live a fulfilled life this year.