No fear in the New year
The wind was whipping in my hair as I stared down the frozen white hill knowing this would probably not end well. Sure enough, my fear and inability took over along with the speed of downward acceleration. With a swift move, I careened to my right and landed smack on my backside. The pain radiated up my back, but I was encouraged from the sidelines to get up, finish the descent down the hill and then try it again. My mind and body protested, but I relented, stood up and slowly made it back around the cross country loop up to the hill, which seemed steeper and scarier than it had before.
I looked ahead to the place of my failure and loss of control. Why would I want to take on that chance again? Why would I attempt something that I knew I could possibly fail at and where I felt no sense of control? Was it worth the risk?
In many ways this experience mirrors my life choices right now. I look ahead to the new year with exhilaration and anticipation of the ride that I will be on. But, if I’m not careful, the fear of what might happen begins to overshadow the endless possibilities. What if…..???
And during worship, I hear the words speaking to me: “Cause when we see you, we find strength to face the day and in Your presence all our fears are washed away.” (Paul Baloche)
Psalm 34:4 “He delivered me from all my fears…”
Do you look into the new year with trepidation? Do you wonder what it might bring? Could it be a change in job or a move? Or maybe you’re just afraid that this year will be the same old same old…no change at all. That can be just as scary.
My fear of hills might sound like common sense (who in their right mind tries to harm their body?), but God is calling me to step out of the common sense of this world and to be in His strength. In place of fear, I need to have faith and hope, because even if my stomach quivers with the lack of control, He’s still on the throne. And I’m not alone.
So, as we head into the new year, I have only one resolution for myself and for you too:
Don’t let fear hold you back this year
Because God has something amazing for us when we let go and allow Him to guide our steps.
Heather
Heather, I enjoyed your devotional. Stepping into a new year can bring along some feelings of fear and dread of the unknown. But we can find comfort in knowing that God goes before us. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Hi Heather, I enjoyed your thoughts as we end 2013. Thank you for this important reminder not to be fearful as we welcome 2014.
Bethany
Loved this devotion,Heather! I had similar thoughts on things not going how I think,but knowing God is still on the throne. Thanks for sharing!
What a powerful message, Heather. It is true, we just need to let go of our fears and step out the boat with courage. If we allow Him to guide our steps, amazing things will happen.