We find ourselves at the beginning of another new year; the year is 2022, and after the past two years, I'm sure we're all feeling a little apprehensive. What's to come? How will we handle everything? Will this year be better than the one before it? For many, the new year brings hope, yet also a certain amount of fear. As my husband says, "Fear is greatest stopper of all mankind." Scripture has a lot to say about fear, such as the passage in Isaiah 41:10, which states: "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

For me, the new year always brings with it a mix of gratitude and regret. I think it's fair to say, I'm not a fan. I adore Christmas, and all that comes with reflecting on the birth of Christ; however, post-Christmas, no matter how I try to change my perspective, I find myself in the middle of the doldrums. In recent years, I've attempted to embrace the Twelve days of Christmas approach, which begins on the 25th and ends with Epiphany, on the 6th of January (also, my son's birthday), but to be honest, it hasn't done much to shift the seasonal blues, as it's called. I know I'm not alone, so here are a few additional Scriptures that may help those who are struggling.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
22 Because of the LORD's great love, we are not consumed. for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Job 11:14-18 (NIV)
13 Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, 14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, 15 then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. 16 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. 17 Life will be brighter than noonday, and the darkness will become like morning. 18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

Malachi 4:2 (NIV)
2 ...for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in it's rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

John 3:16-17 (NIV)
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)
24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

With love and blessings for a bright, beautiful and beneficial year for all...