Confidence in the Unknowns of 2018

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As we stand on the precipice of a new year, many unknowns are before us.

There will be unknown experiences, challenges, and changes. There will be mountain peaks and possibly valleys. There will be good moods and positive feelings when circumstances go our way. And there will be fear when turbulence or disaster strikes.

Yet despite the many unknowns, one thing is certain:

The promise of His Presence

Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Matthew 28:20, “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Psalm 73:23-24, “I am continually with you; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel….”
Psalm 37:23-24, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”
Matthew 1:23, “They shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, “God with us.”

Such wonderful, beautiful, and reassuring promises!

But often, we do not sense His Presence because of a worldly interference such as our physical condition, financial situation, or the mood we are in. Or maybe the weather causes us to think He’s not near.

Yet the Bible reminds us that His Presence is not dependent upon our mood or our feelings or our physical condition. Nor is it dependent on a full night’s sleep or lousy weather.

It is completely independent of all these conditions. His unseen Presence is soothing, calming, and peaceful. His Presence guides and instructs.

So whatever you may be facing as we launch into 2018, be encouraged that He is here. He is close to you. His Presence is real. He is a Friend and the All-Powerful Lord.

The more and more we draw closer to Him, the more we will tangibly sense His unseen Presence. Make spending time with Him one of your priorities in 2018. When you do, you’ll be able to have a greater sense of His Presence when facing the unknowns of 2018.