 |
| Painting by Abraham van Strij |
The beginning of each year brings about a certain trepidation to my naturally anxious heart. I don't know what awaits me or my loved ones in the year to come. I know it will have its fair share of happiness and disappointments as that is just the way of life. What I fear most, however, are the big challenges - the unexpected tragedies, the formidable twists of life.
And then I cloak myself with God's promise and assurance that He is with me wherever I go. God Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth; loving Shepherd who gathers his lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom; my Strength and my Shield; my Heavenly Father who spared not His Son but gave him up for me - it is He who promises to be with me wherever I go.
And how do I daily cloak myself with God's promise? By reading His Word - by studying it, meditating on it and applying it to my daily living. Then my way will be prosperous and I will have good success.
Chinese New Year will be upon us in about a month, and the words prosperity and success are auspicious words -- already adorning cards, banners, foods, etc; often etched in gold or red lettering. Wealth and promotion in life are usually what these words evoke in this context. But in the context of Scripture, one's ways are prosperous and successful when life is lived in the context of God's commands, facing the daily challenges of life with His strength and His integrity.
So whatever awaits me, even the formidable twists of life, I will have good success because God's Word is imprinted in my heart and God is with me wherever I go.
Come journey with me this year, by reading (or listening) to the Bible, and taking a passage or two to meditate on each day so that your way also will be prosperous and you also will have good success!
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 4:8-9
