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t’s a brand new year, and I hope it will be filled with health and happiness for all of us. I realize there are many things that will happen this coming year, and some of it might not be pleasant; but whatever may come, let us declare we will obey the voice of our heavenly father and continue to dedicate our life to him.

We had a heart-breaking end to last year, as just before Christmas we had to put down one of our most beloved dogs.

China was a brush-coat Sharpei and one of the most intelligent and loyal dogs a family could ask for. She had a protective personality and felt it was her job to guard our property and be constantly on the look-out for intruders. We have secure fences, but every now and then a wild animal would climb into our yard and that was always a huge mistake on their part.

China was jet-black, and was difficult to see in the night as she would patrol the premises in stealth mode until we told her it was bedtime and she would proudly come in.

We took her keen hearing for granted and how she would bark even when people were walking or talking across the street.

China was so athletic and loved to run through the fields and investigate everything, and after 10 years, we miss her terribly.

I can just imagine her running in the fields and forest of an endless heaven with all the other animals who are there. 

So far, in this first week of the new year, things have not been much better as we are now dealing with another serious personal setback.

Sometimes it seems trouble comes in waves and we are being attacked from every side, but these are the occasions when we must stand strong in our faith, keep our armor buckled on tight and stay focused on God’s promises.

Yes, life has its share of ups and downs, but through the worries and discouragements we must remember Christ loves us.

He is aware of our circumstances and will take care of us.

Even though we realize He always has our best interest in mind, most of the time it’s difficult to understand what is going on or why this is happening because we are traumatized and in shock.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” and this is a comforting reminder God wants us to have confidence in where we are going and to not stumble on our way there.

The world is filled with darkness, and He is offering the light of his truth so we can see and follow His path.

Another important part of this analogy is He wants us to walk a specific path He has arranged and not one of our own makings.

His desire is for us to listen to his voice and obey him in every situation. Unfortunately, most of us decide “if it is to be, it is up to me” and begin to trust and follow our own desires and ideas.   

Sometimes, this path is confusing and fearful – but the light of God’s love encourages us to trust him even when it appears to be heading straight up a cliff.

Even though many times it may not seem like it, he is completely aware of our circumstances and always has our best interest in mind.

We are told faith is the evidence of things not seen, which means we must trust where he is leading us.

Also, this light is not like a powerful spotlight illuminating what is up ahead. The lamp or lantern of his word is designed for us to take one step at a time and go slowly as we hold tightly to his hand.

Lastly, this path allows us to believe he is leading us into his perfect will.

The reason and meaning of life is to know God and love him, so whatever is waiting for us we can stay as close to him as possible and live in his confidence and his peace which passes all understanding.

“Then spoke Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12.

Dr. Billy Holland lives in Central Kentucky where he is a Christian minister, author and outreach chaplain. Read more at billyhollandministries.com