Greetings! The National Association of American Veterans Board of Directors, Executive Team, and Volunteer Staff represented nationwide wish you and your family a happy new year filled with good health and God’s blessings.
As we all begin a new journey of life-changing experiences, it is a time to look to our great God, the author and finisher of our faith, to lead and guide us in paths of righteousness and by the streams of fresh-flowing water. Even though adversity may come your way, always remember that hope shines bright in the midst of adversity.
I believe this message of hope is very important to begin a new year, especially for those combat Veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan most in need of our nation’s love, encouragement, and financial support to transition back into America’s mainstream. There is always a feeling of helplessness among Veterans who have lost jobs, homes, health, limbs, or loved ones. Remember, you are never alone. For we can find hope in the Bible no matter what may be happening in our lives and in our family.
Our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ (God in the flesh) who came into this world and paid the penalty for all our sins. So now we are forgiven as we repent and turn from our old sinful ways. For the Lord says in John 1:14, “If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” Philippians 2:5–8 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Colossians 2:9 further states, “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
So, as we live our lives day by day in the trenches of the world, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and that he loves us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Take time each day to seek the Lord through prayer and meditation with the Word of God in the Bible. Some scriptural prayers to guide your daily walk with the Lord God.
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” ~ Isaiah 55:6–7
“O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
~ Psalm 90:14
“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” ~ Jonah 2:9
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” ~ Psalm 103:1
“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell, in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” ~ Psalm 139:8–10
“So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” ~ Psalm 90:12
It is NAAV’s desire that our Service members, Veterans, spouses and their families will spend quality time reading the infallible Word of God. NAAV Spiritual Wellness Counseling Team will be praying daily for those who served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces worldwide who are facing many challenges and sadly to say to so many sinking into hopelessness with our ever-increasing divorce and suicide rates nationwide.
Even though we live in a world where there are numerous challenges and disappointments, you can be of good cheer knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the World!
Finally, put your hope in the Lord and in His unfailing love. All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Other Scriptural Readings:
Psalm 33:20–22; Hebrews 4:15; Colossians1:27
Titus 1:2; Isaiah 41:10; Mark 1:23; 1 Peter 2:24
1Timothy 1:1; Ephesians 3:20; Luke 21:36
Romans 8:39; Matthew 6:9–10; Romans 8:16, 17
John 10:10; Hebrews 11:1; Matthew 7:25; Corinthians 4:17, 18
John 16:33; Acts 3:19; Psalm 34:1; John 15:7; Ephesians2:8, 9
Prayer:
Lord God, help us to give our daily stress, worries, and senseless squabbles to you in prayer. Grant us your peace that surpasses all understanding and guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Lord God, help us to give all those things that drive out our peace and help us to hand them all over to You. Help us take comfort in the peace only you can give us now and forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
By
Constance A. Burns, President and CEO, NAAV Spiritual Wellness Advisor and Contributor for Moments of Meditation; email: cburns@naavets.org