As I sit at my desk typing away, seeking words for this week, I was looking over the text I used for this week last year.

I mentioned how I wanted to make the most of each day and not worry so much about the past, or stress so much about what tomorrow may bring.

Looking back over the year, I do feel that I have made some progress in these areas. I tried to not live in hindsight of things and struggle about what I could have done differently.

Per chance things probably would have worked out about the same regardless of what I might have done differently. But since we can’t change the past, I am willing to let go of it and live today.

We can also waste so much of our precious time worrying about what tomorrow may bring. So my goal is work to the best of my ability with what is here today, and deal with tomorrow when- and if- it does arrive.

One thing I feel has helped me move toward these to goals is working to grow in my faith.

The more we rely on our Father in heaven to guide and lead us, the less time we need to spend worrying about yesterday or what tomorrow will bring. We are able to live without being in fear of our past or our future.

I have tried this year to call on Him to help me through the anxious times. No matter how strong our faith is, we will continue to encounter struggles along and during our lives.

But, by believing that all will work out for His glory and following these words, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,” Philippians 4:6 (NIV).

While giving thanks for all situations is not always easy, I am trying to believe that there is a reason for all things that happen in our lives. We may not understand all that happens on this side of eternity, but by keeping the faith and relying on Him, we will never face difficulties alone.

It is truly amazing when you know God is sending a message that you need to hear. Tuesday’s Bible Gateway verse of the day was, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” John 16:33 (NIV).

Even in times of trouble that we will encounter, we can know we are not alone, and we do not have to fear those times for better days are coming.

May you fear not and find the peace He offers in the new year.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.