1st January 2023

New Year

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

Isaiah 43:1

Some years ago, Hours before the New Year began, some Dutch friends of mine in the West Indies were aboard a cruise ship, anticipating the arrival of the new year, when a violent storm struck. But they were able to send me this reassuring note: “We are sitting on board the good ship Norna, and happy to say that we are secure. . . . The wind is storm force ten (48-55 knots). Hope that all is well with you and that you have a happy and prosperous new year.”

In Mark 6, The Lord Jesus and His disciples also encountered a stormy experience. They were on the Sea of Galilee when a windstorm whipped up (v 48). The storm was so violent that despite being experienced fishermen who knew the lake very well, they feared for their lives. But the Lord Jesus walked out to them and saved them.

No one can predict with certainty how stormy the new year will be. We do know, though, that everyone will face storms. But we who have the Lord Jesus have our future securely moored to Him. Jesus, who did not fail us in the past, will not fail us in the future.

Lewis Edgar Jones aptly described our situation in his old hymn:

I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave; I’ve anchored in Jesus, I’ll fear no wind or wave. I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He has power to save; I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages!

How will you fare in the storms of the new year? If you are anchored in the Lord Jesus, you have nothing to fear.

Read

Mark 6:45-52.

Prayer

Father of all ages, Thank You that You will be with me in this new year, as You were in the year that is now past. I bless You and praise You, In Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.