Words of Encouragement from God’s Word:

As we begin a new year, many of us face uncertainty. Some have lost their jobs while others have lost their homes. For those fortunate enough to still have their jobs they may be concerned that if the economy does not recover they will join the ranks of the unemployed. Others who lost their jobs have found new employment and must battle the concerns about whether they will be able to perform well in their new jobs.

With these concerns in mind, I thought it best to share some words of encouragement from God’s Word. When facing difficult times I have always found stability in my relationship to God and encouragement from his Word, The Bible. Here is what the Word has to say about fear, worry, and the provision of God.

Luke 12:7
7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
NLT

I do not even know how many hairs are on my head. If God knows this much detail about me I can rest assured that he knows about my present situation. God is also concerned about the sparrows and provides for their needs (Matthew 6:26). This verse tells us that we are more valuable to God the Father than these sparrows so I know he will also provide for my needs.

Matt 6:25-27

25 "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
NLT

Once again God reminds us that He is concerned about all of his creation. If he is willing to meet the needs of the birds of the air, why would I waste time and energy worrying about my needs? I can find peace in the fact that God has promised to take care of my needs.

Phil 4:19
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
NLT

God is the creator of everything in the universe. He owns all that is in the universe. This verse reminds us that God is not only willing to meet our needs but has the resources necessary to meet them.

It is my hope and prayer that these passages of scripture will bring you encouragement as we face the New Year. I pray that you will grow in your relationship with the Lord and if you have never committed your life to him, I encourage you to ask him into your life today. You can do so by praying like this:

1) Acknowledging that you have sinned or missed the mark of God’s standards.
2) Repent or decide to turn away from your sinful behavior.
3) Confess with your mouth the Jesus is now Lord of your life and acknowledge that Jesus came, died, was buried, and rose again to save you from your sins

Congratulations, Jesus has now forgiven you for your sins and you have begun a new life with him. Find a church where the Bible is taught and become involved. I also encourage you to begin reading the Word. A good place to start is with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The easiest of these to understand is John so that is a good place to start.