No Fear for the New Year – God’s Peace for 2024

​Typically I look forward to the new year. A time to hope and dream. A time to toss the old and embrace the new. But this year was different. I’m facing uncertainties in 2024 and I realized there was an element of fear in my heart.
 
Can I meet the challenges? Dodge the potential punches? Ride the roller coaster that “new” and uncertain sometimes brings? Instead of excitement, I was reluctant to dream too much, hope too big...

​How about you? Are you diving into 2024 with enthusiasm? Or is there a tinge of fear of the unknown, a hesitation to step across the threshold between 2023 and 2024 – between the known and the unknown?
 
“I prayed to the Lord and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NLT
 
It’s okay to acknowledge fear. In fact, fear in itself is okay, an emotion that everyone deals with.
 
What’s not okay is if we allow it to take hold and rule our lives, blurring our vision, stalling us in our tracks... ultimately keeping us from the good things God has planned.
 
If you’re fearful – acknowledge it. Better yet, identify it. Call out the source of the fear. 
 
New job you’re unsure about? New opportunities that require more commitment? Unfinished business of 2023 hanging over your head? What’s the source of your hesitation to step into 2024 with confidence?
 
Instead of ignoring it, pray. Bring it to the Lord. Be honest with yourself and with God and let him shine his light on what’s creating anxiety in your heart. Paul puts it so well in his letter to the Philippians:
 
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 
 
If you do this, you will experience God’s peace... His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
 
I’ve committed this new year into the Lord’s hands and I pray you will as well. Let’s trust God as we walk into 2024. It’s going to be a very good year.
 
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him.” Psalm 34:8


Photo by Radu Florin on Unsplash

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Here’s help to move you into the new year with confidence!
​Through the Valley – Move Your Life Forward in God will help you find the healing and the courage to step into all the good things God has for you. Order your copy here: a.co/d/2sx1JIMa

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Start dreaming big!
​If you’ve ever wanted to be a writer, this is your handbook to start and finish the project God has put on your heart this year. Get your copy here: a.co/d/9mIXeVW