“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NKJV).

God delivered these words to Joshua thousands of years ago when he was on the brink of leading his people into their promised land.  But what an appropriate message it is for us today as we stand on the brink of entering a new year.  “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed!”

Being afraid usually involves a fear of the future – worrying about what could happen.  Being dismayed usually involves looking to the past – questioning what did happen and wondering why.  Both actions produce a similar result – causing us to give up.  At any given moment, we can find things to be afraid of in our future or dismayed about in our past.  But focusing on those things isn’t productive and doesn’t move us forward.

God “commanded” Joshua (and he commands us) to be strong and of good courage.  He is so emphatic with that command, because He knows being afraid and dismayed won’t build strength and courage in us.  And if we lose our strength and courage, we don’t stand a chance.

New Year’s Day offers a unique opportunity to look to the future and reflect on the past.  But as we do, let’s be careful to do so with faith and thanksgiving, not fear and dismay.  Truly, the LORD our God is with us wherever we go, and that makes all the difference!

Happy New Year!