I don’t know about you, but I could not be happier to start a new year and say goodbye to 2018. In looking back, it could be one of the most difficult years of my life. A lot of heartache, scars, tears and hurt. So to say the least, I am glad it is over.
2019 brings with it the potential for healing, but it also brings with it more opportunities for hurt and pain. There are no promises that this year will be better. Tragedy can strike at any moment, that is the cost for living in a fallen world.
The one constant I have in each day has little to do with what I am experiencing or feeling in my life and has everything to do with where Jesus now rules and reigns. Christ is on His throne. In that I have hope, peace and joy in all circumstances. My pain is for a moment, hurt has an expiration date because Jesus Christ is King.
Hebrews 12:2(NASB) says we are to fix, “our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus endured the cross and now sits at the right hand of the Father. Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. Because He endured, I can endure anything this world throws at me. He does not stand next to His throne, worrying. No, Jesus sits upon His throne as His enemies are placed under His feet (Matthew 22:44).
In His reign, He is not overwhelmed by my circumstances. No, He is interceding for me to the Father (Romans 8:26) and working all things together for my good (Romans 8:34).
So, will 2019 be full of more disappointments and turmoil, probably. Will it be as bad as 2018, only time will tell. One thing I hope for in the next year is that I will never lose sight of where my Savior now rules and reigns.
May the song of my heart be like that of Isaac Watts’ hymn “Joy to the World”.....
“He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love!
And wonders of his love!
And wonders . . . wonders . . . of his love!”
Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
ReplyDeleteWho trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle;
He is my steadfast love and my fortress,
My stronghold and my deliverer,
My shield in whom I take refuge,
Who subdues peoples under me.
-Psalm 144
Battles will come. We are not promised peace in this life, but guaranteed hardships. There is One who goes with us, who strengthens us, and protects us. May He train your hands for 2019!