Trusting God’s Plan: Healing and Guidance for a New Year
Introduction:
As we prepare to bid farewell to one year and welcome another, we are reminded that God is at work in all seasons of our lives.
The transitions we experience, whether joyful or challenging, are opportunities to reflect on God’s faithfulness, renew our commitment to Him, and rely on His guidance.
Our focus this evening is on trusting God for healing, wholeness, and direction as we move from one season to the next.
Let’s anchor our thoughts in these 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 scriptures remind us of the importance of living intentionally, trusting God to bring healing where needed, and seeking His perfect will for our lives.
1. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness and Healing
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 Israel’s exile—a time of profound sorrow and hardship. Yet Jeremiah declares that God’s love and mercies are steadfast.
The Hebrew word for "mercies" (rachamim) comes from a root word meaning "compassion" or "womb," symbolising tender, life-giving care.
God’s faithfulness extends to healing our hearts, minds, and bodies. When we reflect on the past year, we often see both wounds and wonders. God’s faithfulness is evident in how He sustains and heals us, even in our brokenness.
Psalm 103:2-3 reminds us: "Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases."
This healing is holistic—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Take time to recount God’s goodness, especially how He has brought healing in your life. Journaling or sharing testimonies of His faithfulness can bring perspective and gratitude.
Consider a mosaic made of shattered pieces of glass. When placed in the artist’s hands, those broken fragments become something beautiful. God does the same with our lives, bringing healing and creating something new.
Max Lucado wrote, "God loves us too much to leave us broken. He mends the broken-hearted and binds up our wounds."
2. Renew Your Commitment to Christ for Wholeness
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 plea in Romans 12:1 calls us to dedicate ourselves fully to God. The Greek term for "bodies" (soma) refers to the whole person—our physical, emotional, and spiritual being. Offering ourselves as a living sacrifice is an act of worship that acknowledges God as our healer and restorer. Renewing our commitment to God means submitting every area of our lives to His care, allowing Him to make us whole.
2 Corinthians 5:17 assures us: "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" Wholeness in Christ is not merely about physical health but about restoration in every aspect of our being.
As the new year begins, ask yourself:
What areas of my life need Christ’s healing and restoration? Renew your trust in Him to bring about transformation.
Imagine a cracked clay pot that has been repaired with gold, a Japanese art form called kintsugi.
The repaired pot is stronger and more beautiful because of the restoration. Christ makes us whole in a way that reveals His glory.
Author Catherine Marshall said, "God will not permit any troubles to come upon us unless He has a specific plan by which great blessings can come out of the difficulty."
3. Rely on God’s Guidance and Power
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 encourages us to lean completely on God. The Hebrew word for "trust" (batach) implies a sense of bold confidence and security. God invites us to rely on Him, especially in seasons of uncertainty, trusting that He will lead us to healing and wholeness. Relying on God means letting go of control and believing that His plans are greater than ours.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us: "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
God’s guidance comes with His strength, enabling us to persevere and flourish. A child learning to walk trusts their parent to guide and catch them. In the same way, we can trust God to guide us, even when we stumble.
Pastor Tony Evans wrote, "Faith is acting like God is telling the truth. Trust His promises for healing, direction, and strength."
Conclusion: Healing and Hope for a New Year
As we close this year and step into the next, let us:
1. Reflect on God’s faithfulness and His healing work in our lives.
2. Renew our commitment to Christ, trusting Him to make us whole.
3. Rely on God’s guidance for strength and direction.
Call to Action:
What areas of your life need Christ’s healing touch?
Surrender them to Him today.
If you’ve never trusted Jesus as your Saviour, let this be the moment you invite Him into your heart.
Romans 10:9 says: "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Jesus is the ultimate source of healing and wholeness. Start this new year with Him. Let’s pray together.
