By Not Known
There are only two more days before 2014. I have always found it tremendously helpful at this time of the year, to spend time reflecting over the past 12 months of my life. God has always used these times of reflection to teach me certain lessons. These in turn, help me look ahead to the next year.
So I would like to show you a verse, followed by two questions in the hope that it will encourage us to take time to reflect on what has passed and what lies before, in the light of who God says he is.
Psalm 37:23-24 reminds us that “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.”
The Psalm suggests two truths: a) none of us are exempted from falling, b) God determines our every step and upholds our every move. Regardless of what we faced in the past and will face in the future, it will be wise to remember these two truths.
Firstly, all of us will fall. It is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ we fall and stumble. It is expected that we will, so how we react when we fall, makes all the difference. Secondly, God determines our every step and upholds our every move.
May I suggest that it should make us feel humbled and encouraged.
We can only see the present, while hoping for the best outcome. But the God who determines our steps, knows the exact details of our lives. How humbling it is to know, that our creator God determines our coming and going.
Because God determines our every step, we can be encouraged with what God has allowed you to go through and not let your heart be troubled. As you look back on 2013, let the experiences this year be used by God to teach us and mould us to be more dependent on Jesus.
Know also that God upholds our every move. So as we reflect on the struggles of 2013, rest in the comfort of knowing that you were not alone because God upheld you and he never placed you in a situation more than you can bear. The fact that you have survived till the end of this year is testament that God has blessed you with strength that is always enough for whatever you need.
Reflection questions:
What sort of year has it been for you? If you could summarise your year in two sentences, what would it be?
1.
2.
As we step out of 2013, let us remember that God has been present since the beginning of time, he has perfect knowledge and he is in total control. So let us trust Him by walking into 2014 with joy and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, and let us seek to do His will every day!
Amos Lau