Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
On Monday, we took a moment to “look back” to reflect on the wonders God performed throughout 2025. Today we will pause to “look ahead” as we prepare to launch out in 2026.
Beginning tomorrow, January 1, 2026, a common greeting from those you come in contact with will be, “Happy New Year!” Yet, if that is all we had as believers to launch out into a new year, it would be a scant portion indeed. As Christian’s, we have much more than a “hopeful greeting” given to us by the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In our verse today, we have the promise given to Joshua by God – I will be with you wherever you go!
You might remember, Joshua was preparing to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land after Moses had completed his ministry of service to God. Joshua knew quite well the challenges he would inevitably face in leading God’s people. He learned from Moses just how difficult the task would be. But he also knew, just like Moses, that he would not be alone in the work God had called him in to. And the same is true for you and me as we begin our “forward march” into this new year.
To be sure, the new year brings with it both questions and concerns . . . doubts and fears . . . obstacles and opportunities. Will we hear from the doctor a less than positive report on our health? Will we find ourselves facing professional challenges? Will our marriage of many years march on for many more? We will suffer the loss of a loved one? The list of uncertainties is indeed endless. Yet, we can hold on to something greater than the hopeful, “Happy New Year!” Why? Because we have the promise of God that wherever we go, He goes with us.
In that promise, I want you to remember something. This “going with God” is not a going by chance. It is not a random roll of the dice. God is guiding, governing, and directing your every step. He is in sovereign control of everything – nothing is left to chance. Your God is in charge and in control of all things so do not be discouraged. This promise is to help us exchange every fear for our “forward march” into God’s perfect plan and purpose for our lives. Oh, one final point. Approximately 3,400 years after God told Joshua that He would be with him wherever he went, Jesus reaffirmed that promise before He ascended back to heaven – “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
Look ahead, with confidence and boldness, knowing Jesus goes before you as He goes with you, making the way straight, regardless of how many twists and turns you will encounter throughout this new year.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 