Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus’ Name to thank You for the blessing of being able to complete another year. Some of the events I have experienced have not necessarily been enjoyable. But according to Your Word (the Bible) nothing has happened by accident. As hard as it may be to understand and accept some situations, direct me to trust in the truth of Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

I welcome Your encouragement expressed in Isaiah 41:10 where You promise to be with me in whatever this coming year brings. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” As I enter this new year, I ask that You will direct me to be even more conscious and grateful of Your presence in my life. I praise You for the encouragement ​I receive as ​Your child, and for being able to rely on the following divine attributes of Yours:

You are all powerful. Nothing is too difficult for You. Jeremiah 32:17 “‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too Hard for You.”

You are all knowing. You are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3 “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and you are acquainted with all my ways.”

You are always loving, merciful, compassionate and gracious. 1 John 3:1a “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”

You are always unchanging, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Malachi 3:6a “‘For I am the LORD, I do not change.“‘

Thank you that I am able to greet the New Year with courage because of Your unlimited resources available to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.