So here we are.

The holiday decorations are put away.  The suitcase is unpacked. The new calendar is hanging in the kitchen.  Back to the routines of life and work and everyday things.

After the whirlwind that is December, it seems oddly quiet.  Maybe that’s the way it should be.  Maybe we need this quiet so that our minds and hearts settle down.   And listen.

This morning as I was transferring important dates from the old calendar onto the new one, I sensed God asking me a question.

“Do you trust Me with this new year, Sharon?”

Simple question.  Not sure why I have to make the answer so difficult.  Why does my mind go automatically to an answer that starts with, “Yes, but….”?  But what if such and such happens?  But what if such and such doesn’t happen?

Doesn’t matter.

God wants me to trust Him with 2013.  Period.  I either believe He’s got it all under control, or I don’t.  I either believe He’s got only the very best planned for me, or I don’t.

It’s freeing, really.  It’s freeing to not worry about tomorrow or six months from now or 12 months from now.   There’s a real peace in simply believing that my God is in control.  Nothing is going to happen in my life that hasn’t passed through His hands first.  There will be difficult days and decisions, questions and uncertainty.  But I know there will be blessings and joys and new adventures, too.

So what is my reponse to the question I heard God ask me this morning?

“Thank you for the gift of a new year, Lord.  I’m going to trust You with 2013.”

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. Psalm 4:5

My times are in Your hand  Psalm 31:15

Since times are not hidden from the Almighty, why do those who know Him see not His days? Job 24:1

And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority”.  Acts 1:7