A new year brings days of unseen challenge and unexpected joy. For some of us, adjusting to a new year feels disorientating and bewildering, but for others the beginning of a new year symbolises a fresh start and potential for change. No matter how you feel, the international Women's Ministries section has prepared twenty-two Scriptural truths to hold close to your heart in 2022:
1. God will provide. ‘In all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work,’ Paul writes in 2 Corinthians.
2. You can embrace your inner child. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus tells us to ‘become like little children.’ Ask questions, take risks, and laugh often! Don't say anything to yourself now that you wouldn't say to your younger self.
3. Your voice matters. Each of us has a story to share, no matter how young or timid or inexperienced we may feel. Raise your voice with confidence!
4. You need not worry about the future. As Corrie Ten Boom wrote: ‘Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrow; but it empties today of strength.’
5. You are forgiven. We all need forgiveness. God holds nothing against us and forgives freely, but we must also learn to forgive ourselves.
6. An encouraging word can go a long way. ‘Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’ (Proverbs 16:24)
7. It is OK not to be OK. When you are not doing so well, allow those you love and trust to care for you, remembering God is near.
8. Your Lord is a storm-sleeper! When you feel caught in a storm, rest in the knowledge that Jesus has the power to calm the harsh and harmful elements.
9. You are worthy. You are precious. This God-given worth is not based on what you do, how you look or who you know. It can never be taken away.
10. God is with you. ‘Do not fear, for I am with you,’ says God. ‘Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.’ (Isaiah 41:10)
11. Your words are powerful. They can harm or they can heal. James 3 helps us carefully consider the way we speak to each other.
12. You are not past your best. Stop dwelling on past versions of you. Ecclesiastes 7:10 reminds us that it is not wise to long for the good old days.
13. Love is incredibly patient. 1 Corinthians 13 give us a glimpse of God’s perfect love. This year, make time to practice this love to others and to yourself.
14. God keeps his promises. Trustworthy and faithful in all he does, God will keep and see through his promises to his people.
15. It is normal and healthy to feel like a work-in-progress. Expand your horizons, try new things, and allow God to complete his work in your life.
16. You are beautiful. ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made,’ reads Psalm 139:14. ‘Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’
17. God created you to live in community. We were never intended to live in total isolation, so spend time with people who enrich your life.
18. Time resting is not time wasted. Without rest, our bodies and minds grow weak. Take time out to spiritually, physically, and mentally recharge.
19. You have purpose. ‘You are a chosen people... that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness.’ (1 Peter 2:9)
20. You do not need to have all the answers. We were not designed to know everything, but God is all-knowing. Trust that God's got it!
21. God hears you. When we call on God in prayer, he listens to us: ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
22. God loves you. Above all things, hold close to the truth that God loves you with an unconditional, everlasting, unfailing love.
