“ But even if he does not, we want you to know Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3: 18

 A New Year has begun and here is an important reminder for all of us for 2024. If you read through the story of Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego we meet three very brave men who trusted God no matter what. Even if God was not going to deliver them from the fiery furnace, worshipping the idol that the King had made of himself was not going to happen, not ever.

 Even if prayers should be part of our lives simply because God does not always answer our prayers as we had hoped. We believed Him, quoted all the Bible verses, and trusted Him, and He did not come through. How will we respond?

 Bitter disappointments have a way of planting seeds of resentment and frankly a weakened faith. We can be shaken when things don’t turn out as we believed. Isaiah 55: 8 says “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways’ declares the Lord.”

 The image of a boat anchored comes to mind, the wind is whistling, and the waves rock the boat. What keeps the boat steady at all is the anchor. In my life, Jesus is the anchor who holds me steady regardless of what comes my way. I won’t lie, I have my moments of panic, but then quickly turn to God for direction and wisdom.

 In 2024 can we trust God no matter what happens? If health challenges come or continue for you or financial challenges haunt you daily? What about the challenges in relationships? Things are not going as you had hoped. Whatever you face, whatever the battle that is before you, can you trust God no matter what and still praise Him even if things do not go as you had hoped?

 Dear Father,

 I know you are good, and you are trustworthy no matter what comes to me this year. I look to you to lead and guide me daily. I will praise You, Father, no matter what. I know that your promises remain true. Fill me with your peace today. Thank you.

In Jesus Name,

Amen