Genesis 3:10 NKJV “I was afraid…and I hid myself.”

No one is exempt from temptation to fear, but we have a choice to not yield to the temptation. The first man God created was Adam, and the first recorded words Adam spoke were these: “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” There are numerous areas of fear, but studies confirm that our seven greatest areas of fear are finances, health, career concerns, parenting struggles, family relationships, accomplishing personal goals, and death. Fear is of the devil and it has torment (1 John 4:18).  Fear means “sudden attack” or “ambush or snare.” That is what fear does; it attacks us and takes us captive. So, what is the answer to fear? Faith in God! Fear weakens, but faith strengthens. Fear imprisons, but faith liberates. Fear paralyzes, but faith empowers. Fear disheartens, but faith encourages. Fear sickens, but faith heals. It has been said that the words “fear not” are recorded in Scripture 366 different times. If that is so, God has given us a “fear not” for every day of the year, and one for leap year! And here is one of them: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1). Today God is with you and He promises to strengthen and guide you in every situation you face. For every fear you face, there is a faith promise against that fear!

Isaiah 43:19 NLT “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Each New Year offers time to reflect and move forward in God’s purpose and promises in your life. This past year may have brought plenty of unexpected challenges and painful realities for you, but the beginning of a new year offers a time of renewed hope and commitment. In this New Year, instead of focusing on resolutions, focus on your relationship with God!  As we enter this New Year, it is only natural to want to reflect over the previous year and consider what was accomplished or not accomplished. That is true in our professional life, as well as our personal life. It is also true in our spiritual life. But let me say that if you continue to dwell on the things you have accomplished or not accomplished in the past year, you are not going to see the new things God has planned for this New Year. Focusing on the past, as good and great as it was, tends to blur our focus on today. In other words, it is hard to see in front of you when you are constantly looking behind you (Philippians 3:13)!  So, look forward to a ”new thing” that is better, that is bigger, that is greater, that is mightier than what you saw God do last year in you, through you and around you.

Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”

What should you do when it seems like God has forgotten you and you feel hopeless? Act on God’s Word! Speak to the mountain! Rejoice in the Lord! Stand in faith! Continue to thank God! Expect God’s help! Do not ever give in or give up! Realize God is not the problem. God is perfect. He never fails and never makes a mistake. God will help you as much as you allow Him. You probably need to change some of your beliefs so you can see things from God’s perspective. God will gently guide you in making whatever changes you need to make. God is there to help you, not to condemn you. But never make the mistake of putting yourself down and accepting the devil’s lies that you are so hopeless that nothing can work out for you. Understand that when it seems like things are not working out, then your faith is being tested by the devil. In that situation, just keep on doing what you know is right. Do not change your beliefs about God. He is still good. Keep trusting Him. Keep believing that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). We must continue to stand in faith, regardless of what comes against us. We must hold fast our confession (Hebrews 4:14). We must not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). True faith in God never gives up or quits, for it knows that God always has the final word!