Have you ever felt afraid of change? Afraid of newness? The new year is a great time because so many people actually welcome change. But often, I’ve noticed, we only welcome change when it’s change we want. For example, a friend of mine wanted to lose ten pounds to be healthier, so he made that his new year’s resolution. He knew this would require changing his diet, but he welcomed these changes because he wanted the ultimate happiness of knowing he was 10-pounds happier and healthier. However, if change comes in the form of something unexpected—such as being laid off, or getting diagnosed with a disease, or seeing a politician we don’t agree with elected to office, it can be tempting to go into panic mode. We think, “Oh no! What am I going to do?”

The thing is, change is inevitable. Sometimes we expect it, and sometimes we don’t, but one thing we know for certain is regardless of the changes we experience: God is with us!

Whatever changes that come your way in this new year, whether they are planned or unexpected, take heart in knowing that Jesus is always with you. Deuteronomy 31:6 says not to fear, “for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you”. This year, trust Jesus with the changes you encounter. And encourage others to do the same. Because it was Jesus who repeated that promise: “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.”  What a way to live!                                                                        This is Luis Palau.