The Gate of the Year,” a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins

"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth and, finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.  

So heart be still: What need our little life. Our human life is to know if God has comprehension. In all the dizzy strife of high and low things, God hideth His intention.

God knows. His will is best. The stretch of years which wind ahead, so dim. To our imperfect vision, Are clear to God. Our fears are premature; In Him, All time hath full provision.

Then rest until God moves to lift the veil from our impatient eyes, When, as the sweeter features of life’s stern face we hail, Fair beyond all surmise God’s thought around His creatures our mind shall fill."

Therefore, the right hand of God is a reference to both a place of proximity to God the Father and a position of power above all other powers. (compellingtruth.org)

• Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

I pray that all of you, dear readers, will sink your palm into God's hand this night as we walk through the gate of the New Year. May you feel the warmth, strength, and comfort of your loving Father's hand as he guides you through the joy, the waiting, and the hard times.