Another year is almost in the books. Well, it is almost in our books–it was recorded in heaven before the foundations of the earth. In fact, before we took our first breath, He knew the number of our days. He knew every thought. He knew every decision, every triumph, and every heartbreak.

I don’t know about you, but knowing He has already stepped into my future makes the prospect of a new year feel a whole lot more secure. Regardless of what you felt about 2018, you can move forward into 2019 with the comfort and security of knowing His presence is with you every step of the way.

I was reading Psalm 139 from The Passion Translation the other day and it was clear David understood this. Although we mark the passing of time on the calendar–and there is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating the fresh start of a new year–the truths of this priceless Psalm are timeless. The Holy Spirit particularly drew me to verses 5 and 6:

“You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way…”

You’ve already seen every moment of the year to come
You’ve made every provision
And You’ve cleared every obstacle
Even now You’re waiting
…with excitement
…with expectation
…with joy
for me to join You on the path You’ve prepared for me
As it unfolds
Day by day
And moment by moment
Nothing will keep me from my date with destiny
Because You have prepared the way

“And in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past.”

You not only go before me
You have fully and completely covered my past
Whether five minutes ago
Or many years ago
Nothing that happened in the past
And nothing that didn’t happen
Can hinder me
Today–and every day–I am a new creation in Christ
The old has passed away
All things have been made new
Regret has no place
Disappointment has no place
I look back only to recall Your faithfulness
As Your kindness propels me forward

“With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me.”

Your hand is upon my life–
The very hand of God!
Your right hand of power
Rests upon me
With such tenderness and mercy
You impart Your own life to me
…Your hope
…Your peace
…Your love and goodness
I am blessed and highly favored
No good thing do You withhold from those who walk uprightly
With Your hand upon me
I grow daily in favor and stature
With You and with man

“This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible!”

The boundary lines have fallen to me in pleasant places–
I have a delightful inheritance!
How can I possibly comprehend the depths of Your kindness and favor?
Your goodness knows no bounds
The expanse of Your love is unmeasurable
It is beyond the realm of my highest understanding
Yet it is so tangible and real
And so freely bestowed upon My life
How majestic are Your ways Oh God!
How vast and unsearchable!

“Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.”

I am amazed by the way You love me
I am amazed by the way You know me
…intimately
…completely
…personally
You know my motives
You never misread my heart or intentions
Your innumerable thoughts toward me are
…always good
…always pure
…always holy
…always filled with hope
Knowing you know me better than I know myself
Gives me the strength
…to let go
…to rest
…to trust
…to simply follow
…to simply believe You have gone into the future to prepare the way
And because You have
Because I walk with You on the path You’ve already prepared
I can be confident in this:

 I am moving forward…into a future filled with wonder beyond my comprehension!

HAPPY 2019!!