Verses for the New Year
by Mike Oravec

Each year, as January approaches, I try to discern a scripture verse or verses that will serve as a centering prayer for me in the New Year.  I write it on the flyleaf of my date book and often in another well-trafficked place in my life, where I will surely encounter the words and needfully remember their meaning.  As sometimes happens, life’s events turn wildly, and here then an opportunity to pause and reflect (a personal “Selah” if you will) in order to restore the truth of God’s control and start forward again. 

This year's selection, buried in Zephaniah’s little book (3:16b, 17), is a hopeful touchstone to carry one through twelve months and beyond.

Do not fear, O Zion: As a subset of the people of God, here I insert my own name where the NIV prints “Zion”.  I am reminded too, that the next time I anxiously can’t sleep, instead of counting fictional sheep, arise and count the number of places in the Word where I’m told not to fear.

Do not let your hands hang limp: A picture reminder to keep on with the work, the calling, taking up a cross, putting hands to the plow, and not being discouraged by its sometimes slow pace, zigzags and the distracting clamor from elsewhere.

The Lord your God is with you: A part of the Spirit’s sealing, never to be withdrawn. Ah, I can rest here, satisfyingly downing a cold drink on a hot day or more seasonally, picturing a crackling fire with a warm cup of cocoa, while outside the storm blows.

He is mighty to save: Eternally, yes! But in my immediate crisis as well, no matter the distance to resolution.  Others, too, far away from faith.  Those I care for who do not recognize the peril they are in.

He will take great delight in you: Why, I wonder. What does he see that is often blocked in my vision of myself?  Saved, but so far from the mark; definitely, a subject for meditative reflection.

He will quiet you with his love: I need that peace to calm an often-restive spirit and allow anxieties to diminish like reducing tumors.

He will rejoice over you with singing: Every week we gather together to sing God’s praises, and that is as it should be.  Yet I am floored to understand that God is singing over me (us).

So here I will often return this year, to a minor prophet serving great encouragement.  You can go there as well, or perhaps the Spirit will take you to another safe place of restorative centering.