No fear in the new year

Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by your name; you are Mine.      — Isaiah 43:1

Hours before 2007 began, some friends of ours in the UK were aboard their boat, anticipating the arrival of the new year, when a violent storm struck. But they were able to send us this reassuring note: “John and Linda 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 of you have a happy and prosperous new year.”

Jesus’ disciples also encountered a stormy experience. They were on the Sea of Galilee when a windstorm whipped up (Mark 6:48). The storm was so violent that despite being experienced fishermen who knew the lake well, they feared for their lives. But 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 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 fear no wind or wave.

I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He hath power to save:

I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages!

How will you fare in the storms of the new year? If you’re anchored in Jesus, you have nothing to fear.      — C. P. Hia

READ: Mark 6:45-52

Faith in Christ will keep us steady in the stormy sea of change.

The Bible in one year:

• Malachi 3-4

• Proverbs 31:10-31