We Cry Out

We come to this new year, Lord
With uncertainty and trepidation.
It seems our world
Is falling apart.
We are overwhelmed,
filled with questions and fears.
We stand on shaky ground.

Anger,
strife,
and conflict
are on our streets
and on our screens.
Our cities are in trouble.
Our children are struggling.
Life is chaotic,
and we are afraid.

How are we to move forward
when we are anxious
and fearful?
Do you not see us, Lord?
Do you not hear
our cries for help?

We have trusted you,
followed you,
clung to you.
Don’t abandon us.
Answer us, Lord.
Renew our hope
and our faith
as we enter this new year.

God Hears Us

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer 32:27).

“For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isa 43:3a).

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Josh 1:9). 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Pe 5:6-7).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).  

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Ro 15:13).

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mat 28:20).

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Act 1:10-11).

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 1:24-25).

We are Strengthened

““My soul glorifies the Lord
     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” (Luke 1:46-47).

“We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you” (Ps 33:20-22).

“Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name” (1 Ch 29:13).

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim 1:17).

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb 13:8).

“Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long” (Ps 25:4-5).

And we go forward with our hope firmly fixed in Jesus.

All praise to God,
Ginger