There is a famous poem that has the popular title ‘The Gate of the Year’ where the author, Minnie Louise Haskins, stands, as we stand now, at the start of a New Year and asks for a light to show her the way. The response she receives is the suggestion that she put her hand in the hand of God for that will be better and safer.

The actual title of the poem is ‘God knows’.

And of course, He does.

He knew then, for Minnie, what her future held. He knew when King George VI quoted the poem in 1939 during his New Year’s address, just what that year would hold for the world. He knew when the words were read in 2002 at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who had a special place in her heart for the poem. 

And He knows now.

We do not.

But as we stand, just four days inside the Gate of this Year, 2019, with all its hopes and dreams, its fears and challenges, its plans which will come to fruition – or not – is there any better place to put ourselves than in the hand of God?

Will I stretch out my hand today and place it in God’s hand? Will I strive to walk through this year holding on to Him, no matter what? Will I trust Him with my very life? 

As I think on these things, I remember, He will not let me go. He is willing to hold my hand every moment. In my mind’s eye, I see Him reaching out to me. His hand is large, comforting, and He beckons to me. I reach out and put my small hand in His and feel His fingers wrap tenderly around my own.

And I step into the New Year with courage, head held high, for besides me, holding my hand walks my Abba, King of kings and Lord of lords, but Abba. Who loves me and who knows the way.

Will you give your hand to Him at the Gate of the Year and walk beside Him too?

May Abba bless you as you walk into 2019 with Him.