Sometimes when we approach a new year, we begin to have crippling fears. “What if my husband dies this year? What if I get cancer? What if my children rebel? What if I lose my job? What if a terrorist strikes our area? What if the election doesn’t go the right way?” “What if…?” Those questions only generate fears.
Should we really be that concerned about the “what ifs of life” or should we be more concerned about focusing on the facts of God’s Word? God commands us to think on things that are true and real…our “what if thoughts” are not facts, and they are not true! We must never forget that our future is in God’s hands, and that He is a loving, sovereign, and merciful God. When the time comes that we must deal with those unexpected events of our lives, He will be there to comfort us and help us deal with them. If we truly believe this, we must rid our minds of the “what ifs” and fill them with the facts of God’s Word.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Of course, we should always be ready for unexpected events, but we shouldn’t waste our time and energy worrying about the “what ifs”. These are fears that are not real and may never come to pass.
Instead of dwelling of the “what ifs” this year…
• Acknowledge God’s presence, His power, and His love.
• Remember that God knows and allows the events you might encounter. (Psalm 139:1-4)
• He will never send anything to your life that is not for your good and His glory. (Romans 8:28)
• He will never abandon you no matter what happens. (Matthew 28:20)
• He will guide you throughout all the events of your life and then receive you into glory.
Psalms 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.