From Endings To Beginnings: Trusting God In Every Season - Psalm 90:12, Proverbs 3:6 Series

From Endings to Beginnings: Trusting God in Every Season - Psalm 90:12, Proverbs 3:6

Introduction:

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s natural to reflect on what has passed and look forward to what lies ahead. This time of transition reminds us of the faithfulness of God—yesterday, today, and forever. Our focus today is on how we, as believers, can honour God as one year ends and another begins.

Let’s start by grounding our message in two key verses:

"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, NLT)

"Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:6, NLT)

These verses challenge us to live wisely and seek God’s guidance as we move forward.

Today, we’ll explore three key principles for transitioning from one year to the next:

Reflect on God’s Faithfulness.

Renew Your Commitment to God.

Rely on God’s Guidance.

1. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22-23 "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."

Lamentations was written during a time of national crisis and sorrow for Israel, yet it contains this beautiful declaration of God’s unchanging love and mercy. The Hebrew word for "faithfulness" (emunah) conveys steadfastness and reliability. Despite the hardships faced by God’s people, the prophet Jeremiah reminds us that God’s mercies are renewed daily.

In reflecting on the past year, we can see evidence of God’s faithfulness in our own lives. Even in difficulties, His love sustains us.

Psalm 103:2 encourages us to "let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me." By taking time to reflect on how God has provided, protected, and guided us, we can face the future with confidence. Journaling or sharing testimonies of God’s goodness can be a powerful way to reflect on His faithfulness.

Think of a photo album filled with memories. Each picture tells a story of moments—both joyful and challenging—where God was present. Looking back helps us move forward with gratitude.

Christian author Ann Voskamp writes, "No matter the wreckage, the Lord is faithful. The sun rises, and mercies are new every morning."

2. Renew Your Commitment to God

Romans 12:1 "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him."

Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our lives as a response to God’s mercy. The Greek word for "sacrifice" (thusia) refers to an offering given wholly to God. Unlike Old Testament sacrifices, which were external rituals, Paul speaks of a living sacrifice—an ongoing, daily act of worship.

As one year ends and another begins, it’s an opportunity to evaluate our spiritual walk and renew our commitment to God.

Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us: "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." This doesn’t mean we ignore the past but rather that we let go of anything hindering our spiritual growth.

Picture a runner shedding unnecessary weight to race more effectively. Similarly, we must release distractions and sin, dedicating ourselves fully to God.

A.W. Tozer once said, "God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible—what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves." Renewing our commitment means trusting God for greater things.

3. Rely on God’s Guidance

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5-6 is a timeless call to trust God completely. The Hebrew word for "trust" (batach) implies a sense of security and reliance. To "seek his will" means to prioritise God’s direction in every decision, trusting that He knows best.

As we look to the new year, relying on God’s guidance means praying for wisdom, studying His Word, and listening for the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Psalm 37:23 reminds us: "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." God cares about every aspect of our journey. Trusting Him requires surrendering our plans and embracing His.

Think of using a GPS while driving. When we rely on it, we reach our destination without getting lost. Similarly, God’s Word and Spirit guide us perfectly when we trust Him.

Pastor Rick Warren writes, "The more you trust God, the more your life will be transformed. Trust is the bridge to freedom."