In Christ Alone

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call

Entering into a new year can be exciting or daunting, depending on what is going on in your life. Many of us look forward to a new year, hoping it will be better than the past year or excited about good things on the horizon. Because of circumstances, health, or relationships, some dread the new year and the expected difficulties. It seems that we have a way of projecting the worst-case scenarios. Why is that? If we project the best-case scenario, are we are setting ourselves up for the possibility of disappointment? But where is God in all of that? If we pray more about our circumstances and acknowledge that God is sovereign over our lives, and seek Him first, then maybe we will worry less. Matthew wrote about anxiety and worry in Matthew 6:25 and following, telling us not to worry about our life or having enough to eat, drink, or wear. Our heavenly Father takes care of the birds and the flowers. Has worry ever helped our situation? No, it only makes us stressed out.

 

Matthew 6:33-34 (CSB) says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

 

Being grateful for what we do have and counting our blessings really helps too! I am talking about actually making a written list of all the things we have to be thankful for. I challenge you to do it – you will be surprised at how it changes your perspective, and perspective changes everything. Something else that has helped me is learning to be content. Most of us have heard and know the Scripture that talks about contentment. The Apostle Paul wrote from jail about being content.

 

Paul writes, “I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” – Philippians 4:11-13 (CEV)

 

Did you catch the last verse? It is not about us. It is about Christ. Jesus Christ will give us the strength to face whatever we are going through. I don’t know about you, but that gives me great comfort. Knowing I don’t have to go through difficult times alone makes all the difference. Christ’s strength will enable us to go on when we are struggling. We don’t have to rely on ourselves or others. That is good news!

 

There is a song by MercyMe called “Even If that I love”. I remember listening to it when it first came out on the radio, and the tears would come every time because of things I was going through at the time. The chorus goes like this:

 

I know You’re able and I know You can

Save through the fire with Your mighty hand

But even if You don’t

My hope is You alone

I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt

Would all go away if You’d just say the word

But even if You don’t

My hope is You alone

 

The words are powerful. God can do anything, but even if He doesn’t, our hope is in Him alone.

 

Written by Karen Rigby: Karen has been coming to Keswick for 25+ years, has been on staff twice in Accounts Payable, and currently serves in the Partner Care Department.  She enjoys mentoring women, women’s Bible study, and volunteering at her church.  If you want to reach out, you can contact her at krigby@americaskeswick.org.


Think About This: “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.” – Max Lucado

The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 4-7  You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

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