4 Minute Devotions: Beginnings

In the beginning, this New Year was made by God. His will sustained the Earth as it revolved on its axis and continued to orbit the Sun. As midnight struck across our planet in the different time zones, God’s Word and Will kept the Universe in being, whilst the people of our world celebrated the beginning of 2009.

In the midst of all our festivities, we may have been too preoccupied to thank the Founder of our feast. Some of us may have whispered short prayers for our families, our friends, our work, and our prosperity. We may have quietly voiced our fears and insecurities to God in a glancing thought; or we may have left words of grief, regret, and disappointment unspoken.

Genesis1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

Whatever we may have felt at midnight, this morning sees the beginning of a new day. As the sun rises in the East, a new dawn is ushered in quietly, naturally, and routinely. At the start of this day, we are reminded that both in the Old Testament and New Testament light is given a prominent place. The darkness of a chaotic cosmos is enriched with the goodness of a star-filled universe. And the desolate darkness of fearful and finite humanity is given the faithful and everlasting light of Christ.

As we set aside 2008, we either gladly or reluctantly let go of the past, in order to begin a new journey. We place both our fears and faith into God’s Hands; we let in the light of Christ to heal our hearts and help our hopes. We step over the threshold of a New Year, looking for God to guide our way and let Jesus join us on this fragile, wondrous, and personal journey that we call Life. We pray that in the beginning of this year, God’s Word will continue to sustain the universe, this world, and our spirits.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for sustaining the Earth and for continuing life on this little planet. As we enter this New Year that we call 2009, we seek to place You at the center of our days, experiences, and events. Be with us in the midst of the blessings or banes that will come our way. Strengthen us for the ordeals and tasks that lie ahead. Grant us faith and patience, perseverance and fortitude throughout this holy and sacred, unique and unknown year. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.