In God's Hands

My, how time flies! The Christmas decorations have been put away with love and precious memories of Christmases past. Thoughts of family and friends, gathering together to celebrate Christ’s birth and welcome in the New Year, are now replaced with getting on with the norm of life. But what will the “norm” of life be for each of us in 2025? There could be unexpected challenges and blessings.

God, in His wisdom, doesn’t let us know what our future holds. Proverbs 27:1 warns us, “Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring.” This verse reminds us of our human limitations and lack of knowledge and understanding, while encouraging us to trust God for the future.

We read in James 4:14-15, “You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. Instead you should say, ‘If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that’.” Planning can be good, but not if our plans crowd out the things God would have us do. James reminds us to seek what “the Lord wills”. When we can pray the Lord’s will from our hearts, we stand strengthened. Our plans pale in the light of what God has planned for us! While praying for God’s will in our lives it is also important we pray for his guidance as we lift up our concerns.

With the joy of the Christ Child still fresh in our hearts and a clear new year ahead of us, what better time to recognize our many blessings, while seeking and trusting God’s love and will in our lives. With praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, we can confidently acknowledge Psalm 31:15, “My future is in Your hands”.

Jan Knicely, Associate in Ministry Emeritus

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church