The start of the New Year can be a real mixture of emotions, excitement at the possibilities ahead perhaps tinged with a bit of fear as to what this coming year might hold. I wonder if this is how the Israelites felt as they stood on the brink of the Promised Land?

Ahead of them were obstacles, when the spies came back they told the people of the tribes and giants who already inhabited the land yet they also confirmed it was indeed a land rich in resources flowing, as they had been promised, with milk and honey. But their doubts and fears overcome them and they are turned back into the wilderness to wander for another 40 years until they learn to put their trust in God.

As they return once more to the edge of the Promised Land, God gives them encouragement and advice which may help us as we enter this New Year. He tells them to be determined and confident that whatever the obstacles, his promises will not fail them, he tells them he will be with them and never abandon them, and he reminds them to read the scripture and obey God’s laws.

This seems to me a good way to enter 2010, to follow God’s word and to know he is always there, to be determined and confident in God’s promises, indeed to turn our backs on the wilderness of doubts and fear and enter with joy our Promised Land.

“Remember that I have commanded you to be determined andconfident! Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1 vs 9.

Elsie Bouffler (http://blog.mydailythought.co.uk/)