A New Year Within God’s Dominion

WE give Thee thanks, Almighty God, that we know where “all places of Thy dominion” are; for we know that Thy dominion is over all. And now we beseech Thee to teach us that far more difficult lesson—to “bless Thee” in “all places of Thy dominion.”

In the pleasant places of Thy dominion it is easy to praise Thee: in the happy times of our lives, when our loved ones are around us, and our homes unclouded—in those places of Thy dominion we will not fail to give Thee thanks.

But when we are sad and sinful; in the wintry time of our lives; in the dark night-times, when joy dies out; when the flowers are cut down and withered; when the glory and the beauty of the earth seem passing away; when the things that once were warm have grown chill; when the shadow of death is upon us, and the very heavens are hid from our weary eyes; then, even then, in those places of Thy dominion, teach us to praise Thee. Teach us that the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.

Help us to look upon the unknown To-morrow as only another “place in Thy dominion;” governed, ordered, overseen by Thee. Help us to bless Thee for the Future, knowing that it shall be, what the Past has been, a record of Thy love.

When the clouds gather round us, and from man we have scant hope, then let us have all hope from Thee. Be Thou ever present with us. Behind Thy back, nought can live: cast Thou our sins of the past year behind Thy back. The coming year is dark before us: we know not which of us shall walk before Thee in this, Thy land of the living, for one more year. But help us, Thou, O God, to think of the land beyond the grave—on the other side of death—as a “place of Thy dominion;” a place unknown to us, untrodden by us, but known to many who have loved us, and are loved by us; belonging to Thee, our King; belonging to us, because we are Thy subjects, and unto us Thou givest “all places of Thy dominion.”

In tender childhood Thou didst lead us. Now, when older children, Thou wilt lead us still. For the past, in the present, in the future; in the day-time, and in the night-watches; in the day of blooming, and in the day of fading; in the dark valley, and in the glorious haven after the passage of Jordan; yea, in all “places of Thy dominion,” Lord, will we praise and bless Thee, our God!

So let it be with all of us, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.—AMEN.