Happy New Year - Welcome to 2023

Have you ever tried to find a light switch in a dark room? Fumbling around, hoping not to hit your shin or trip over something? Putting your arms out at a 90-degree angle like Frankenstein, trying to grasp something familiar?

When we are in the dark, we tend to slow down and tread lightly because we don’t know what is in front of us and we don’t want to get hurt. Some of us may even become paralyzed in place and not move at all. Being in the dark can be pretty frightening.

As we prepare ourselves to step over the threshold into a brand-new year, it may feel a bit like we just stepped into a darkened room and shut the door. So, how do we navigate the unknown, keep moving and growing, but keep from banging our shin on the coffee table?

Scripture tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the light of the world. Jesus prepares the way for us by being the light that transforms the darkened room. When we follow Jesus, we will no longer fumble around in the dark, but will walk in the light.

So, even though we don’t know what this new year has in store for us, take heart that Jesus does. As we seek his presence and follow his lead, we are sure to find our way. This is very good news!

Do you tend to put pressure on yourself to make the most of each new year?

What are your biggest concerns entering 2023?

In what areas of your life do you need the light of Jesus to shine? Any areas you need to release control?

Scripture

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1: 5-7

“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” John 12:46