Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV)
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It is the end of another year! Was it good or bad for you? It was challenging for me. I lost my best friend and several others, went through skin cancer, and struggled through a few other challenges along the way. I am not complaining. The Lord has been with me every step of the way. I can feel Him. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t understand why Carmen died at 63 and I am suffering the loss. It ambushes me when I least expect it. Considering all the things life throws at us, it is easy to get discouraged. John 16:33b (NIV) says 33 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus told us that so we would know that we can too with His help!
In Romans, Paul tells us that we are “more than conquerors” through Him who loved us. Fortunately, He still loves us and walks with us. Paul tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God through Christ. He gives a substantial list of things that can get in the way but with the Lord’s help, we can overcome them all. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
At this time of reflection of the past and anticipation of the future, we can have mixed emotions. Do we make New Year’s Resolutions? I know it is good to have a plan but make sure you include the Lord in that plan. Leave Him room to guide you to your destiny. Many are concerned about the future. There are many bad things happening. There are wars and rumors of wars but there have always been those things. Yet the Lord is still on His throne. He can make all things new. When the world looks dark, it is time for you to shine the light God gave you. There, inside you, is the light of His Spirit. You can shine that light into the darkness and chase it away one person at a time. Love one another as God has loved us. Love never fails. As the New Year approaches, make a resolution to do random acts of kindness and spread the love of God, which He gave you, in this world and see what happens.
Lord, You said in 1 John 4:18 (NIV) 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Help us drive out fear with Your love both in ourselves and those we meet. Help us to anticipate the coming year with joy, knowing You have a great plan for us. Guide us in our making plans that will include Your will for us. Remind us that You walk with us every step of the way. And, in the times we are unable to take the next step, we can rest assured knowing that You will carry us. Thank You for Your faithfulness always. Mostly, thank You that You love us with an incredible love! In Your name we pray! Amen!