New Plans Amidst Old Problems

New Year’s Day celebrations brings about many resolutions for the next year. Some are going to get more healthy — lose weight, start running or exercising, turn away from fast food. Others are going to be better at saving money, controlling a quick temper, or be more patient. The list goes on as to New Year’s resolutions. I used to make them but gave up years ago, because in just a matter of days, I would forget what it was that I had resolved to do! 

For many, it’s hard to think of a fresh start in the new year, because old, familiar, and unwanted problems loom large. Health concerns are unchanged. Finance is a worry that won’t quit. Grief surfaces at surprising moments. How do we make a new goal when old troubles keep kicking us in the gut? How do we even pray when we feel downcast and fearful of what tomorrow may bring?

There is an answer in God’s Word that tells us, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27 ESV).  Many times in life I have personally found these words to fill me with comfort and hope. We don’t know what tomorrow holds for us. We don’t know how to get out of present troubles, we don’t how to shorten our days of grief — but the Holy Spirit within us knows. He represents us to the Father. He intercedes for us. He knows what we need and when we need it. The Father and The Son love us immeasurably. Together the Holy Trinity are always watching over us, always guiding us along the way, always comforting us in dark days, always loving and loving and loving and loving.

This new year may we each one be quick to come before the Lord in all our difficult moments, sitting still in His presence, whispering a simple, “help,” then waiting in His sweet presence until His own peace and precious care brings solace to troubled minds. Then, when hope resurrects, praise Him for His ever helping guidance, because praise lifts us out of a valley of despair, and onto a mountain of great hope.

May blessings of hope and peace pour upon you throughout this new year.