Here we are at the start of another new year. What will it hold for you and me? It's impossible to know; yet Christians can be assured whatever happens there can be victory. In good times or in bad we are shown in this passage of scripture how God is there to help us through. Years ago, I got my first car, a '47 Chevy. Deciding to do a complete engine overhaul, I took all the rocker arms and pistons out, cleaned them and put them back. My dad had asked if I needed help, but I said no. Not knowing the engine had to be set up before it was turned on, I bent every one of the push rods. Without a word of "I told you so.", my dad took the engine apart again, fixed it up and got it running. I learned a valuable lesson about calling on expert help. In the same way God is ready to help us. He does so with

God is a merciful God. He delights in mercy. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lam 3:22, 23). God is willing and able to help in our time of need. He has shown us His mercy through His love. God so loved the world that He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin and grant salvation to all who believe. Jesus death on the cross for our sin paid sin's penalty. His justice was satisfied and now God can reach out with mercy. Is there some difficulty or problem you are faced with today? Let God show you His mercy. “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” (Psa 73:28). Draw near to Him, place your confidence in His will for your life and enjoy His blessings of mercy and grace. Along with compassion He offers

The word "comfort" comes from a Greek word meaning to draw along side to render aid. It can also be translated as encouragement, exhortation or entreaty. God consoles us with His love and encourages us with His presence. He is a very present help in time of need. God is there to help in trials, heartaches, emptiness or loneliness, whatever your situation. We do not have to face these difficulties alone. He also encourages us through His word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 3:16, 17). In the Bible is found the answer to every trial and situation we could face. What are you facing today? Trust God with the answer and praise Him for His help. Certainly we all need God's compassion and encouragement and it is that which leads to

CONFIDENCE (4)
"comforts us in all our troubles"

Notice the word "all". There is nothing too hard for the Lord. Whatever the situation you are faced with this coming year, God is able and willing to help. Are you trusting yourself or anything else other than Jesus? Then you're on dangerous ground. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Prov 3:5). Commit the problem to Jesus and let Him show you the answer. Regardless of the trial, He is greater. We can face every situation with complete confidence. God has already overcome and He gives us the victory. “Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15:57). Christian, don't let the flesh, the world or Satan take away your confidence, trust your care to Jesus.

A father's young son kept asking to let him help carry a heavy basket. It would have been impossible for the boy but the father worked out a suitable arrangement. He put a long pole through the handle of the basket, keeping the basket near his end, he had his son pick up the other end. The weight of the basket was on the father's side. God does the same for us when we trust Him with whatever burden we have to carry. Face this New Year with complete confidence in God's compassion and comforting. God bless.