“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
What year it has been! As we look back on 2021, we all have mixed feelings. We were optimistic early in the year that when December rolled around, Covid would be a thing of the past. Vaccines were being developed and people were doing their best to obey the restrictions that had been imposed upon us. As things began to open up, we hoped that everything would go back to normal. But that is not the case, instead we find ourselves facing a new wave.
Many have lost loved ones in the past year, and others have spent time in the hospital. There have been some who have lost their jobs and even their businesses. We have been isolated from family and friends. We have missed our fellowship with others. We have missed being able to worship together the way we used to. We missed just being able to continue our normal lives.
BUT one thing we know for sure, God is still in control. He promised that whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, He will always be there to hear our prayer and to meet our needs. He knows exactly what we are going through and how long it is going to last. He promised that He would not allow us to go through anything that He would not provide the strength for. His grace is sufficient for all things, and when we are weak, He is strong.
I was encouraged during my morning devotions by the scripture in Habakkuk. I trust that whatever you are going through, this will be a blessing to you as well.
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19
As we say goodbye to 2021, let us do so with a song of praise in our hearts for all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us over the past twelve months. And let us trust Him completely as we enter the new year, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus, for the way that you have been with us and guided us through another year. You have blessed us abundantly in so many ways, and we trust you to keep your hand upon us in the new year.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
4 Comments
Thank you, Anne, for your messages! They bring great encouragement to me! As I see how our world and the the society we live in is more and more reflecting what the Scriptures say will happen, leaning on the Lord and His promises and trusting Him completely is the only way to live!!
I think I already replied to your note on my e-mail, but again want to say thank you for your message. I am encouraged by it.
Thank you Sis. Anne for your devotionals that you write I so enjoy them. They are encouraging and so many speak directly to me. May God richly bless
you in this New Year.
Thank you so much, Kathy. I am glad that you enjoy my writing. I am so thankful that the Lord gives me the inspiration and I only want to be a blessing to others.
Happy New Year to you and your family.