We are seven days into the new year, and many of us are thinking of new goals as we get into 2023. We should remember not to leave God out of our plans.
All these years we have observed various changes, but God remains the same and His promises remain the same. We should never make the mistake of thinking that we can go into the New Year alone without God. Without His presence, we will be wandering into the wilderness of 2023 lonely and anxious.
This reminds me of the Israelites' attitude on their pilgrimage to the Promised Land. God decided to abandon them because they had become stiff-necked and rebellious. Moses clearly understood the predicament of continuing on the journey without God. He sought God and he was relentless in petitioning God to go with them. ‘The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)
The presence of the Lord was unique and powerful because it made the Israelites distinct from those nations around them. If God was not with them they would have remained lost and wandering in the wilderness.
As we venture into 2023 let us ask for God’s presence to go with us so that we can overcome anxieties and fears. Yes, there will be times when we will feel like we will not make it but we should take heart knowing Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us for he says ‘ And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:20)
God’s presence will make 2023 bearable. He knows our fears and anxieties and He knows us personally by name and He cares for our needs. We wouldn’t want to venture into 2023 without Him. Let us remember this wonderful promise of His presence in Exodus 33:14. “My Presence will go with you.”
Have a blessed 2023 filled with God’s presence.
