Psalm 39:4 “Lord, make me to know my end,
And what is the measure of my days,
That I may know how frail I am.”
Coming out of the Christmas season, we are reminded of those who find Christmas less than merry. The lack of close loved ones, tragedies that occurred, or a rejection of God’s Son contributes to many despising the season. When the season comes to close and the people return to their lives, the frustration and sadness remain.
As the seasons change, we are reminded that a time has ended and another begins to form. The year 2023 will never exist again. The opportunities we had last year, the ones we might have taken advantage of or the ones missed are left to that year forever–the victories and the mistakes are all left behind.
The time to look forward in anticipation of all the Lord has been doing and all that He wants to accomplish is traditionally observed during New Years, but is that really wise?
The time to look back on the mistakes we’ve made and learned from should be a daily occurrence, preparing ourselves to not repeat those mistakes is found by drawing near to God.
If we want to grow in faith, we must move forward by learning righteousness and walking in Truth.
- Not cowering in fear–but being bold.
- Instead of sorrow–letting hope reign.
- Forsaking sin—embracing faithfulness.
Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?”
Each day can bring about new resolutions or they can be the time to establish a different mindset for finishing well, completing the race that is set before us, and taking advantage of the opportunities the Lord gives.
Real Resolutions
Many times resolutions are made toward health. How we eat or exercise becomes a prominent thought since holidays lend themselves to poor diet, and excessive celebrations.
If good health isn’t taken into consideration, the effects will eventually catch up with us. If we don’t take into consideration how we treat our bodies, we will find ourselves suffering later. With that being said, the body is here but for a moment, the spirit of man continues on forever. There is wisdom in recognzing that making a greater investment into our spiritual health takes priority over our physical health.
Fear of death is often times the motivation for many people but as believers in Christ and citizens of a Kingdom that is not of this world, that fear should dissipate the closer we draw near to Christ.
Psalm 27:2-3 “When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.”
What does our confidence rest in?
If our confidence is in our own flesh, then every time we are reminded of the frailty of life, it is shaken.
If we lose a loved one the devastation of loss is much more damaging to those who find their solace in family or friends. A change in career or in where you live can pose a measure of uncertainty. The Lord has a purpose and direction by which He will accomplish His will in your life, do you trust Him for where He is leading?
To move forward, life must at times change dramatically and those changes can be stressful.
Good Change
If our desires are aligned with God’s will, when changes occur the prospect of uncertainty becomes a manifestation of faith with strength and surety in God’s abiding love.
Psalm 27:4-5 “One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.”
Knowing and understanding the nature of God’s love is the consistency that weathers the storms of life.
No matter what happens, God’s nature of love towards you never changes. God’s will cannot be thwarted by events that catch us by surprise.
We can rest assured that the Lord will be faithful even when others are not.
Psalm 27:6 “And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.”
The changes of life that occur around us is like sitting on a massive rock at the ocean and watching the storm around us. The wind may blow, the waves will break and it seems like chaos is all around us, but that rock does not move.
If we allow our eyes to become transfixed upon the storm, fear follows. Keep your eyes on the rock, keep hold of it and rejoice in the love of God knowing that He placed you there for a purpose.
Solid Foundation
What lies ahead for you in the coming year, or even tomorrow?
Maybe the Lord has given you glimpses of His glory so that your faith doesn’t fail, or maybe you’re in a place where He is reminding you to trust and listen.
Psalm 27:7-10 “Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.”
Whatever the circumstances look like, remember, He is always faithful.
Keep on the path of righteousness, but if your sin has gotten the best of you—get back on the path of righteousness and don’t delay.
Know that all life and goodness are found in the path of the Lord. Then, when tomorrow comes and the fear you had yesterday dissipates into a confidence the God has proven once again, you will go forth in peace knowing He has been leading you all along.
U.T. 