Focus on the Truth

Pastor Gary Oser

It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of yet another year. What are your expectations for the year ahead? If you listen to the news, it is hard to be optimistic.

Rather than listen to the news, I would encourage you to read God’s Word. God’s Word tells us The Truth. I want to share several verses with you which I hope you will hold onto as we finish one year and welcome the next.

In the midst of a society filled with fear, God says in Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Come what may in the coming year, God promises in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” A modern paraphrase says it vividly: “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” Verse 6 continues, “…so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid.’” You can be confident as a believer that God is going to be your Helper in the new year and that He will never let you down!

We may all have some anxieties about the “unknowns” as we enter a new year. Jesus addresses this in His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. I encourage you to read Matthew 6:25-34, but I will draw your attention to just a few verses now.

Jesus says in verses 31-33, “‘Do not worry then, saying, what will we eat? or What will we drink? or What will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’” Jesus tells us not to worry. He tells us to put our priority on Him and spiritual things, and then He will take care of everything else we may need.

I will share just one more passage found in Philippians 4:19. The Word of God says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Please note carefully the words “all” and “needs.” God doesn’t tell us that He will provide us with everything we want, but He does promise to provide everything we as believers will need. You can count on God to care for your needs in the coming year.

The new year can be a good year if you will focus on the truth found in God’s Word!