I sit here pondering, “Why did God choose
To set aside His God-ness, humble Himself
Wear my humanity, subject to His subjects
Knowing the sacrifice will not impress man
Who knows no better, knowing the enemy
Won’t make it easier? Why would Abba
Surrender His only Son to such peril?
Why would the Son submit Himself, choosing
Such a bloody path to redemption of those
Who know no better? The answer is found
In the beginning as the King would walk
Daily in the Garden seeking a man like you and me
Leaving behind His heavenly throne, choosing
To sit on grass with a man like you and me
Leaving behind angels and perfection of glory
To chat in Eden with a man like you and me.
The answer is here and now as He chooses
To live on earth in people like you and me
It has been quite a year! Thank God for bringing us to this point where we are hopeful of witnessing the entrance of another new year in a couple of hours. It has been a memorable year for so many; ranging from exceptionally rewarding to downright frustrating. Whatever be the case, it will be helpful to keep in mind that in spite of all that we had to deal with, it is a privilege to be alive. God’s faithfulness saw us to the point where we are: thank You O God!
If we are objective in our observations, we will note that in this year, many lives were lost and here we are. So many people lost a whole lot but here we are. With tumbling oil price and depreciating economies, so many lost their means of livelihood, yet here we are. You and I know the losses we bore, and we know people who endured less and worse, yet here we are in spite of all.
If there is anything life has taught us this year, it is that we are who we are not because of what we have, all of which come and go. That we will get to where we are going not because of what we have or lack, all of which also are subject to change. We are who we are because of God who has chosen to be with us through the highs and lows of life, until the very end. Everyone and everything else may come and go but God will remain; our ever present Help, our ever faithful friend, our everlasting God. One of my favorite Scriptures is, “For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death. (Psalm 48: 14). He is our God. He is our Guide. He is our All. From now to eternity.
He knows the times we live in are tough, and long before we made it to this stage, He encouraged us, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31: 6). I guess this is what dawned on Paul when He exclaimed, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31.) If the Almighty is on our side, who and what can do us in? Nothing beloved!
Not stopping there, Jesus added, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28: 20.) Are you now convinced that you didn’t make it thus far by accident? You have reasons enough to let go what is past, what is passing, and position yourself in readiness for that which is to come. Being therefore assured of His presence and coverage, what should our attitude be as we go into the New Year?
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ” (Hebrews 13:5.) God has made His stand very clear: we are His choice. Again and again, on His own, He chose to be for us, to be with us, to be ours. This is all we need to look beyond the disappointments of the passing year, to be thankful as we look up and step into the New Year, full of hope, knowing beyond any shadow of doubt, that we have one thing that can never be taken from us – our relationship with God. We have that One person who is proven eternally dependable and He is for us, in us, with us, wherever we go. May this build our faith and courage as we enter into the New Year, prepared to do exploits with Him who promises and never fails.
Wearing this confidence therefore, I can already say, “Happy New Year!”
Glory!