It is easy to see why people become overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. Every time we turn on the news or go on-line and read a news story, all we ever hear is how bad everything is. The economy is horrible. Oil prices are going back up. They are fighting in the Middle East. The Christmas retail season was the worst in history since before the Magi visited Jesus (ponder that a moment and you’ll get the humor of it).
Should we just avoid the news and bury our heads in the sand? No, ignorance doesn’t necessarily solve the problems swirling around us. What we really need to do is to stop and remember a few bits of encouraging news from God. For one, God loves us. The Bible says, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”(1 John 4:16, NLT).
Second, we need to remember that God has our best interest at heart. About 2600 years ago, God reminded the prophet Jeremiah that despite some challenges in the life and times of the people of Israel, He still had great plans for them. Jeremiah records those words for us - “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT) In other words, God had their future in His hands. He has our backs too. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28, NLT) Even in difficult times, God is working those things for our benefit.
Finally, we need to remember that God will always be with us. The Scripture reminds us, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”(Hebrews 13:5-6, NLT) God doesn’t abandon us. Even when things are tough, He is still there. Lean on Him. Dedicate yourself anew to walk with Him more closely this next year. The Bible is filled with the hope and promises of God. We have just looked at a few – He loves us, He works in us, and He is with us. Now that’s some good news for a change.
Posted by Darrell Deer 
Husband, Father, Pastor, and Christ-follower. Thankful for the life, family, and ministry that God has given to me.
