Clouds & Fire: God’s Guidance in the New Year

Photo by Fatih on Unsplash

Whether you set a New Year’s resolution or write down goals for the new year, you need guidance from the One who knows your past, present and future. In the book of Exodus, God gave the people a cloud to guide them by day and a fire by night. We may not have these visible signs to show the way, but we still have clouds and fire.

Clouds: We look to the sky to determine our day. Is it going to be gloomy or bright? Cold or warm? Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. So, despite what we may think about our day and its continual changes, God never changes. He’s there to guide us in the good and bad. The clouds are our current reminder that He is with us.

Fire: How is your fire today? Are you burning bright for Him or is the flame barely alive? I Thessalonians 5:19 says, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” This passage refers to using your spiritual gifts given by God. Fan this flame and start using the gifts God has given you to serve Him and encourage others.

As professional organizers we often want to plan our days and years with a checklist. This can be helpful, but it often leads to discouragement. Why? Because the list focuses on the physical aspect of life and working through the day in our own strength. God’s plan for your new year is to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33. These things include our physical needs such as clothes, food and drink. Put seeking God first on that checklist!

Seek Him in the new year. Look to the clouds for hope and guidance. Fan the flame through reading the Word, prayer and fellowship. It’s going to be an awesome year!