As I look out of my living room window early in the morning, I see a seagull standing on the rooftop of the neighbour's two-story building. What is he looking for? Another sea gull? He looks so alone, taking stock of his domain. The ocean is just down the street, and the mountains stretch out behind him. It must be quite a view for him. Which way does he go?

As we stand on the brink of this new year looking into the unknown, which way do we go? We need to pray for direction and support — or at least I do. This new year will bring massive changes for which I need to prepare and pray my way through. I am expecting to move into residential care. I don't have much energy these days, and much looks like the view from a hard rooftop. What shall I do? What should you do?

This verse gives me some direction and hope:

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)

I can see myself up on the rooftop ready to fly off. With God leading, I know the way that I need to go, soaring away on wings like eagles, safely guided.

This city has a lovely beach, and the grass has often held what seemed like thousands of birds clustered together. As I watch the seagull on the rooftop, I am with it in spirit. A recent culling has left him alone, for many birds have been taken from the area. Now, those that are left need to learn what it is like to be alone, flying off into the future.

But you and I are never totally alone. The Bible reminds us that the Lord Jesus is leading the way into the future. Psalm 103:5 reminds us of God, "who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." (NIV) No matter how hard and difficult the future is, the Lord Jesus guides us through each day, through every problem and hard decision. Yes, Scripture reminds us that our youth is renewed like the eagle's, even when we look ahead with doubt and confusion. All is safely undertaken as the Lord leads us along through every age.

Let us take our confusion to the Lord and commit this day and the new year to Him. He will guide us through with love and joy.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as we stand on the rooftop of the new year, may we fly straight into Your arms where we are guided and protected by You. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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