Who doesn’t welcome a chance to start over and embrace an opportunity to hit the reset button?

Positivity ranks high on my Strength Finder assessment, so I don’t tend to keep company with pessimism. However, let’s face it: new is not always nice.

Looking ahead into 2022 feels refreshing, and a sense of anticipation draws us forward. That is good. But, when we are honest, you and I realize that a New Year also promises:

New problems

New challenges

New heartaches

New health concerns

New disappointments

New illnesses

New diagnoses

New relational bothers

New emotional pain

New job realignments

New dental appointments

New burn out

New stress out

New crises

New medical procedures

New bad days

New bills to be paid

New workplace displeasure

New church issues

New boardroom dilemmas

New school obstacles

New COVID conundrums

And the frightening questions arise:

Will God be there?

Is God big enough to handle the

new that is not nice

in my 2022?

If we deny the fact that we will encounter new that is not nice, we deceive ourselves and compound the frustration.
If we depend on our own resources for the new that is not nice, we are guaranteed to become overwhelmed and discouraged.
But if—and herein lies the victorious secret—if we determine to pivot God-ward for the new that is not nice, His promises are off the chart!

Over the recent holiday season, I revisited and meditated on an amazing verse that is power-packed with reassurance. When we lean in and listen, we hear His strong Voice which brings peace of mind about anything new. He says in Isaiah 65:2, “Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24 HCSB).

The Ancient Word in the Hands of The Ancient of Days gives us everything we need in anything new—even if, even when—it is not nice.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3 Berean Study Bible).