January 2025 – A brand new year has arrived! As 2024 fades in our rearview mirrors, we may find ourselves pausing to do a “year in review”. That may include revisiting reels that showcase our highlight moments or considering the gains and losses we encountered along the way. In a similar way, we find a scene in the book of Deuteronomy where Moses is leading the Israelites through their own reflection of their 40-year wilderness journey. They are preparing to step into a new chapter of their story. I can only imagine how the Israelites must have felt standing on the edge of The Promised Land- filled with anticipation and probably feelings of uncertainity about their future. Yes, it was a moment of moving forward, but it was also a time to pause and look back at how God had brought them this far.

Moses gathers the nation and reminds them: “You have seen with your own eyes everything the Lord did in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to his whole country—all the great tests of strength, the miraculous signs, and the amazing wonders… For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other alcoholic drink, but he provided for you so you would know that he is the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 29:2-6). Moses reminded them of God’s provision- the manna in the wilderness, the water in dry places, and protection on every side from every enemy. Like in Psalm 77:11, they could declare-“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago”.

Some of us might be saying, “Goodbye and good riddance 2024! You were a tough one”. “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. “ Corinthians 4:8-10 Yet, in the middle of these challenges, God has been present. Maybe He brought peace during some uncertain times, healing for moments of brokenness, or joy through unexpected blessings.

As we begin our own new chapters, let us recall all that we have “seen with our own eyes”. Take another glance back and behold “all the wonderful deeds”- the provision for our needs, the answered prayers, how He sustained us in ways we may not have even noticed at the time. May you and I grow in our trust in God’s unchanging faithfulness and move confidently into this new year.

Happy New Year friends!
Lisa Sasser Lamey