Happy New Year!  2019?  My, how time flies.  Whizzes by at lightning speed.  But I wonder about the future.  With all its uncertainties.  No doubt this new year will entail some doozies.  Either personally or in our families, with our finances and jobs, and certainly in politics.  Looking forward gives me the shakes!

In the winter, Jesus attends Hanukkah celebrations in Jerusalem’s Temple (John 10).  Cold days and nights.  But the hierarchy glows hot as you-know-what.  About Jesus.  And His miracles.  And His big mouth proclaiming blasphemy, or so they say.  His life dangles in mortal danger.  It hangs in the balance.

So what does Jesus do?  John 10:40–‘…(Jesus) went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days.  Here he stayed…’  Facing the future, Jesus goes back to where His earthly ministry begins (John 1).  A hint for you and me?

When fears and worries rear their ugly faces, head back to the Lord for His reassurance.  That’s where Jesus goes, putting His mind and soul at ease.  To where He hears John the Baptist announce that He’s the Messiah.  He’s God’s Lamb who will take away the world’s sins (John 1:29).  Also where the Holy Spirit anoints Jesus, mimicking a gently descending dove (1:32).  And where He hears most comforting words from His Father, who loves Him so much, that Jesus is ‘the Son of God’ (1:34).

When frightened and panicky, trust what the Lord has already promised.  When shaken to the core, hold on tightly to Him.  When wobbly with uncertainties, lean firmly on God.  Dig deeper into His Word.  Stay close by.  Heels dug in and unmoved.  For if so, terrifying winds will give up long before you do.

What’s ahead for you and me in 2019?  I know as much as you do.  Nothing, really!  But going forward I’ll try to gaze back for God’s strength just like Jesus does.  I’ll try.

Good enough for Him.  Good enough…  Well, you get the point.

We’ll stand with you, Jesus, all year long.  But only with your help.  Amen.