| Psalm 121:7-8 -“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” |
As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, I could hear the fireworks outside my window and people on TV cheering “Happy New Year”. For me, it marked the end of 2024 with gratitude, but also sorrow for the condition of our world. The clock indicated it was a new year for new hopes of new opportunities to make better choices and have better outcomes. When I awoke the next morning to check my phone and respond to “Happy New Year” text messages from family and friends, there were also alerts about devastation and sorrow that had happened during those previous hours of celebration. Immediately, I felt the fear and more anxiety than I had experienced in the previous year. Before I knew it, I was overthinking and started to ask these questions in my mind:
• What is happening now?
• Is there anywhere safe?
• What can we do to change the condition of this world?
Then, when I had a talk with Jesus, he reminded me of something. When we look around and only focus on the negative and evil happenings in this world, we can easily become consumed and forget that we have a God who is a protector, and he never sleeps. He sees all and knows all. I had to remember that we live in a fallen world because of sin. There will always be evil, but God sent his only son Jesus to die for us (John 3:16). Those who believe in him will be saved and we are covered by his blood.
In today’s verse, we are reminded that despite everything going on around us, God’s protection is with us. He is a faithful helper, and we are never alone. It is a scary world out there and evil is always present, however, we have a much bigger and stronger God who is more than able to fight any battle we are facing today. I must keep reminding myself of one thing: GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL. No matter what it looks like, we must stay close to him, and he will not leave us or forsake us.
Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for protecting us from dangers seen and unseen. We know that it is only because of your grace that we are not consumed. Every morning when we wake up, we know it is only because of your grace and mercy. We ask that you give comfort to the families who have already lost loved ones in 2025. Please cover them dear Lord and let them know that you are with them. In Jesus name, Amen.
- Bridgette Wilson
