Another year has come. A year of promise — and a year of unknowns. Unknowns make me anxious. But I feel hope even in the face of all the unknowns because of what God tells me through five Bible verses I hold in my heart. 

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. 

This is the first verse I turn to for the new year. Everything I’ve done, everything I wish I hadn’t done — all of it is washed away with His great mercy and forgiveness. It’s a clean slate every morning! God is faithful and just. How much more should we expect a clean slate for this new year? Let’s embrace the fullness of His wonderful mercy.

Proverbs 16:9

A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. 

I plan my path — I like to know where I’m going. But here’s the thing: only the Lord directs my steps. I may think I’m going one way, but then the Lord picks me up and turns me in another direction. And that’s okay, because He knows which direction I’m supposed to take. If things don’t go our way, we know that God may have something else in mind for us, and we know that He is good.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 

There will be days — many days — when I will think, “I can’t do this!” I’ll have demanding school assignments or a cranky toddler or an article I just can’t get right. I’ll have work to do that feels overwhelming. This verse reminds me that I don’t do it alone — I can do all things through Christ. He is able to do anything.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Many readers here know of the struggles I’ve had with depression. I’m weak. Vulnerable. Hopeless by myself. I could wallow in self-pity like an immature child. I could think, “God could never use me like this.” But that isn’t true. God can use each of us just as we are, with what we call our weaknesses. It is because of my weaknesses that I rely on God — and His power is made perfect in it. He’s in control.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Isn’t it the best feeling in the world to know that we will never be alone? Never! God has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us. No matter what. When we struggle with fear or loneliness or anxiety, He is there. And He always will be. Let’s lean on Him during our times of struggle.

Hold these verses in your heart, and I will, too. Let’s hold onto these promises together in 2018. May God bless you as you seek Him in the new year.