Beginning a new year always brings to mind thoughts of what this year will hold. For patients dealing with Hepatitis C and liver disease, thoughts of better health are at the forefront.

We can receive comfort and assurance knowing that God is watching over every detail of the year before us.

“But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” Deuteronomy 11:11-12Open in Logos Bible Software (if available) NIV

This scripture is talking about the Israelites who were crossing the Jordan and taking possession of the land God had promised them.

Notice the land is made up of mountains and valley’s but drinks rain from heaven. That’s what most years consist of mountains and valleys; we experience good days and trials as well. But notice it says, “the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from beginning of the year to it’s end.” The Lord is ever watching over every step we take, and notice this part, “it’s a land the Lord your God cares for.”

Every moment of this year is under God’s watchful, caring eyes. There is no place too far, too hard, too difficult, that His presence cannot reach. We may not understand all that God is doing, but we are called to trust Him no matter what and keep our focus on Him.

“He who watches over you will not slumber.” Psalm 121: 3b NIV

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 NIV

Do you want to know God’s will in your life? Listen to this, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

You can walk through this year with a new focus and purpose. Being joyful while we’re walking through a valley is not easy, but we can still find things to be thankful for and that’s what this verse is talking about.

All throughout scripture we’re told to pray continually, have ongoing communion with God, and give thanks “in” all circumstances. In other words, in the midst of hard times we can still find so many things to be thankful for.

Paul who wrote this verse was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens to us, but be thankful in everything. Evil does not come from God, so we should not thank Him for it. Satan is always looking for an opportunity to knock us down. He anxiously awaits to see if we’ll get up or stay down and curse God. But when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God’s presence and for the good He will accomplish through the valley (difficult times).

This shifts our focus off of our circumstances and back toward God and what He’s doing in the midst of our trials. God works even through our valleys. He can make beauty out of the ashes and good come from our trials.

Be assured, God is still at work and cares about every detail of your life.

Raise your head mighty warrior and walk through this New Year looking for all that God is doing. Each day is good, because God is in it. May your steps be lighter as you focus on Him.\

This entry was originally published in Life Beyond Hep C, and is reprinted with permission.