Thoughts on a new year

Many people view things in the world and in human life as happening indiscriminately and unpredictably without discernible human intention or any other observable cause or purpose. Others say that human destiny and details of individual human life are determined by “fate.” Fate is a word from Greek mythology referring to three goddesses who. presided over the birth, life, and details of humans. Not many people have the slightest idea what is meant by fate.

From beginning to end the Bible vigorously teaches that a supreme authority and power created the world and directs every event and every detail of human life, often overruling the most powerful nations and leaders.  Even our God given attribute called, “free will” is limited by the overriding umbrella of God’s control in the affairs of men and nations and God directs them according to His own purposes and pleasures. Dozens of Scripture verses substantiate the fact. Here are some examples “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians Ch. 1; Vs. 16-18) A similar quotation is found in Revelation Ch. 4:11. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.” This is a major teaching of the Bible Theologians called, “Providence”.

An old African spiritual song from the 1920’s expresses the concept of God’s providential care and control over everything in very simple, but beautiful words. The three verses start with these phrases “He Holds The Whole World, In His Hands”; “He Holds The Tiny Little Baby In His Hands”; and, “He Holds You And Me Brother, In His Hands”.

In other words, God has a detailed plan for destiny of the world and every individual in it. and has enough power to fulfill His purposes, and pleasures. Jesus said our heavenly Father provides food for the tiny sparrows and causes the wild lilies to grow. He also said in St. Luke 12:7, “the very hairs of your head are all numbered”.

The point is that those who know, and trust in God have no concerns and fear of what a New year or the entire future may hold. They know that God holds the future and He has everything under control even though Satan and our fallen race have temporarily introduced into His once beautiful world all sorts of fear, chaos, and confusion.

Christians live in an attitude of hope convinced that when one year ends it only brings them closer to God’s ultimate beautiful plans and purposes. Immortal life to believers and a complete renovation and restoration of heaven and earth exclusively prepared for those who love Him. The beauty and perfection of the New heaven, New earth, and the Holy city of Jerusalem are vividly described in the 21st. chapter of Revelation. Here is just one verse. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (verse 4)

Pastor Gene Holman of Living Word Fellowship in Gardnerville is a member of Carson Valley Ministers’ Association