Each new year offers so much potential and promise, but for some of us, there may already be anxiety and worry about the days to come. If that’s the case for you, I encourage you to look to God.
Remember that God will never leave you to face your fears alone. One of the most frequent commands in the Bible is ‘Do not be afraid’. Do not be afraid because God is with you!
One of the more disconcerting things about working on a fortnightly magazine is that we focus on particular seasons well in advance of the actual dates. So, here at War Cry, staff think about Christmas in November, and Mother’s and Father’s Day weeks before celebrating with our own families. The downside to this is it’s easy to overlook the actual day—sometimes we have to remind ourselves to recapture the spirit of joy it offers.
And so I’m writing this ‘Happy New Year’ greeting to readers on the 11th of December. Having sorted my Christmas shopping (except for stocking stuffers and the sheepskin seat belt protector I promised to get Mum), I’m time-travelling to 2015 to imagine what it’s like to have Christmas Day and New Year’s Day behind me. I’m sure it will be great. By the time you read this, I’ll be feeling well rested and excited about returning to work.
Another thing I’m really looking forward to about 2015 is The Salvation Army’s international Bible reading challenge (see page nine for more on this). I’ve already downloaded an app to my mobile phone, so I’m definitely ready to go on.
In fact, if you’re looking for a New Year makeover that truly lasts, something that will make the deepest impact on your life, get into the Bible! Psalm 119:105 describes the Bible as ‘a lamp for my feet, a light on my path’. None of us see what lies ahead, so all of us need God's light on our respective paths.
I hope we’re able to make our way slowly through 2015. That we cherish every moment—particularly our connections with the special people in our lives. If busyness is a challenge for you, get hold of the book Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung (you can read our excerpt on pages 12 and 13). ‘We won’t say “no” to more craziness until we can say “yes” to more Jesus,’ says Kevin. And that’s great advice for any time of the year!
Christina Tyson
Editor
Lamentations 3:22–23
‘‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’
Nga Tangi 3:22–23
‘He mahi tohu nā Ihowā tē poto ai tātou, he kore nō āna mahi aroha e mutu. E hou tonu ana rātou i tēnei ata, i tēnei ata; he nui tōu pono.’