Putting Your Trust and Times In God’s Hands in 2019!
We are living in a world where we can so easily become fearful, stressed and depressed. Year by year the world seems to become a crazier place! Due to all the menacing changes happening globally, many people are really struggling to deal with numerous uncertainties, like the possibilities of war, economic instability, and everyday social and personal pressures. 
One of the reasons why stress has become such a huge issue in our societies is because we believed the enemies' lie that we are supposed to solely steer, manage and direct our own lives daily. When you live a lifestyle where you depend upon yourself and your own abilities to make things work, you will be stressed. People can fail us and they often do. Not only that, we often fail ourselves. 
No one knows exactly what the future holds and that can be a scary thought.

 

Do you know how 2019 is going to pan out? Do you know what is going to happen to you during this coming year? Probably not. The uncertainty of tomorrow can be stressful, and therefore we need to learn to deal with these and other causes of stress and anxiety in our lives. The truth is that there is someone who knows what's going to happen tomorrow and that someone is God. The Bible contains many valuable truths, principles, and guidelines to help us deal with fear and stress. Whatever stresses you face now or in the coming year, God wants you to understand that one of the best ways to deal with stress is to place your trust in Him. You need to learn to take refuge in the All-knowing, All-powerful Creator of the Universe.

In Psalm 31:14-15 we read, "But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me." The Psalmist knew that in order to live a peaceful existence he must place his life and times in God's hands. The LORD wants us to trust Him with our lives on earth for He is our Provider, Protector, and Deliverer. In Daniel 2:21 we read that, "It is He (God) who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings ....”. God not only has a sovereign plan for all of history, but He has a sovereign plan for your life too. He is working all things after the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11). As we enter into 2019, make the LORD your refuge so that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7). Have a blessed 2019!

 

Dr. Abri Brancken 

Leading Pastor, Mairangi Bay Community Church.

 

Bible verse to ponder about
Philippians 4:6-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.…