Trinity Lutheran Church - Town of Wilson

Security in the New Year

Posted by on 23 December 2009 | 0 Comments

The early evening storm had subsided, and the young father was putting his 5-year-old daughter to bed for the night.

She had just finished her prayers.  But no sooner had she spoken her final “Amen” than she asked hurriedly and in a tone that betrayed her childlike worry: “Daddy, did you live in this house before I was born?”

“Yes, dear,” he replied as he bent over to tuck her in snugly.  “And did Grandpa live in this house before you were born?”  Again he replied with a quiet yes.

There being no further questions, he gently kissed her forehead, bade her good night, and began to leave the room.  But as he reached the door, he paused thoughtfully, then turned and inquired:  “Why did you ask if Grandpa and I lived here before you came?”

“Oh, I was just thinking, if this house has been here that long, I don’t have to be afraid when the wind blows.”

That little girl did not know it, but many year ago another man expressed that same assurance:

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting, You are God.

The Psalmist had found his security in a dwelling place that had existed long before he was born and would continue to exist long after he was gone – in the omnipotent God of heaven.  As long as he could live in Him, he knew he was safe from every wind and storm.

So too, you and I, by faith in Christ, have found our dwelling place.  What a splendid though – at the dawn of each new day or the dawn of each new year – those words of that girl.  If the eternal God in whom we live and move and have our being has been here that long, we need not fear whatever the coming day or year may hold.

– adapted from Herman Gockel

Dear Lord, as the New Year begins, I think of the determination I had a year ago to do Your will entirely.  The failures seem so vivid in my memories.  This crisp, new calendar has 365 empty spaces to use to Glorify Your Name!  Please help me remember that I have to live each day “one day at a time.”  My concern need be for only the 24 hours “until the sun goes down.”  I thank you for the gift of darkness to end our day and the knowledge that tomorrow is in Your hands and we only need to live today.

On the threshold of a new year, we pray for strength to accept the 365 days 24 hours at a time.  May we not try to live tomorrow today.  We may not know what the future holds, but our faithful trust in You will give us courage not to fear our future.  We remain secure, knowing when tomorrow comes, we will find You there.

In the name of Your dear Son, our Savior, we pray.  Amen.

In Christ’s service,

Pastor Jabs