new year – walklikejesus

Ready for (another) Roller-Coaster Year?

January 24, 2021Posted in Practical ChristianityTagged anxiety, Change, new year, pandemic, peace, planning, security1 Comment

Oh, how we wished that the pandemic and all its problems would burn with our 2020 calendars. Alas, it followed us into 2021, promising another roller-coaster year. How do you buckle up and ready your heart?

Most of us enjoy a good roller-coaster. The ride starts with a slow climb, followed by a sudden drop and quick turns at high speed. As you feel the wind in your hair and hear the passengers’ screams, your veins flood with adrenaline and dopamine, leaving your hands shaking and legs jittery. One group shouts “Let’s go again!” while another cries “Never again!”

Roller coasters leaves you either ecstatic or terrified.

What causes these two groups of people to have vastly different experiences in the same roller coaster cart? It comes down to a sense of security: the ability to trust in the ride designer and the system’s integrity. The ones who trust in the integrity of the seat belt or harness don’t fear for their safety. These passengers have peace on the track and enjoy the thrill of the ride.

The second or third round on a roller coaster is often even more enjoyable, precisely because you have come to know that you will not fall from the cart. With arms high in the air and eyes closed, you can smile wide and laugh loudly through the tight turns – once you trust the carriage and the rest in the seat belt.

2021 will be our 2^nd ride in the Corona Coaster. We would have preferred a more docile track, but this is our ride for the year. How do you prepare yourself to push out the panic and enjoy the thrill that 2021 brings? Is there a harness we can strap ourselves into, to lend the sense of security we need for the months ahead?

A short phrase penned by a Jewish prophet gives us a plan. Isaiah warned the Jews that the Babylonians would lay siege and destroy Jerusalem, taking its people into exile. He promised a rough time ahead for them. The Babylonians would rip them from everything gave them a sense of belonging and security. Yet the Lord comforted the Jews with this beautiful promise – a phrase that instils comfort, safety and hope in everyone who believes.

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10

“For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed”

The Lord warned the Judeans of catastrophic changes – both sudden and permanent. They would suffer loss. Mountains speak of safety, security and a sense of permanency. Hills bring a sense of familiarity, normality, and a sense of belonging. These significant changes create anxiety, and the sudden onset thereof brings a panic.

“my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed”

In contrast, the Lord assures them that His constant, loving nature and reliable character do not change. His steadfast love “never ceases” and is always “abounding.” (Lamentation 3:23; Psalm 145)

In particular, God’s covenantal commitment towards Judah does not change either. It cannot be removed (Numbers 21:12) and is stronger than the bond that draws a mother to her nursing child (Isaiah 49:15).

While these sudden changes create a sense of vulnerability and insecurity, the Lord assures them that His character and commitment towards them for their welfare (shalom) will never change. He is good and promised to do them good, always. Yes, even these sudden changes will work out for their welfare. (compare Romans 8:28)

“says the Lord”

The One who makes this pledge of partnership is indeed trustworthy. He is the LORD, Yahweh – “I AM THAT I AM” – the eternally existing God who never changes (Exodus 3:14; Malachi 3:6). He is all-powerful yet very personal (Isaiah 40:28-29; Psalm 113).

While everything around them changes, they the Lord invites them to rest in the truth that He does not change, nor his loving nature and covenant with them. Indeed, Yahweh has shown his goodness and faithfulness to them for generations since He first bound Himself to Abraham by covenant. Israel’s covenant God is trustworthy because of his character and power.

“who has compassion on you.”

God Almighty knows that the coming catastrophic changes would bring pain and panic. Moreover, God cares about them! Their situation moves Him with compassion so that He would show them kindness. (Compare with Christ Matthew 9:36; 14:14; Mark 1:41 etc.) What comfort these words must have brought to the vulnerable and fearful Judeans who were plucked from their familiar homelands!

a MIRROR to our society

Isaiah depicts Judah’s calamitous change as “mountains disappearing and hills being removed.” Our generation can easily identify with his passionate poetry. For years we have experienced the stormy disruptions in our social fibre, and local economies and political harmony caused by the tsunamis of globalization, technological advancement and climate change. Now, on top of that, the Covid-19 pandemic is accelerating social changes, affecting economies and governments at an unparalleled pace.

These rapid changes make us feel unsafe, like foreigners in our own homeland. Like the Judeans hearing Isaiah’s words for the first time, we too need of hope, some assurance that good may come, a reason to march on and direction for the future.

a WINDOW into God’s Heart

Isaiah’s prophesy reminds us that God knows that big changes leave us vulnerable and insecure. These words reveal God’s compassion for us; his heart is moved because he identifies with us in our suffering.

A reporter asked John and Charles Wesley’s ageing mother, which of her children she loved best. She replied, “the one who needed it most at that time”. Her compassionate heart was moved with kindness to help the one who was struggling at that time. David says God’s paternal love is the same: “As a father shows compassion to his children… for he knows our frame… he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14). God does not love us less because we struggle in our turmoil or temptation; instead, God’s fatherly love (compassion) is activated by our weakness, urging him to show us kindness. The Lord “is able to have compassion with our weaknesses… so let us boldly draw near to his throne room to receive grace [help]” (Hebrews 4:15).

Isaiah reminds us that God’s steadfast love (character) and covenant of peace (commitment for our good) is unchanging. Through all these changes, God is working out his redemptive purposes work for our good and his glory. This window into God’s heart and plans brings us much comfort.

a DOOR into God’s Kingdom

Isaiah’s prophesy acknowledged the first readers’ uncertainty and invited themto walk with God into their new world. Likewise, this prophesy shows the door into the stable and peaceful world our overwhelmed generation longs for. The Lord assures us that He is unchanging and his covenant unshakeable. Drawing close to him brings the security and familiarity that is fading in our rapidly changing context.

How do we strap ourselves in to feel safe in the 2021 roller coaster ride?

To cognitively know that “the God of the Bible is loving and does not change” does not bring the deep, lasting peace we pursue. Instead, recognising and reflecting on God’s loving-kindness and reliability in my own life (and those around me) brings the security and hope I need in this changing world. This text invites me to remember and reflect on God’s steadfast love that I have experienced and how he has faithfully intervened on my life in the past. In a rapidly changing world, I feel safe to the degree that I am rooted and grounded in God’s love and commitment to me (Ephesians 3:14-17).

My friend, strap yourself in for the thrill-ride of 2021. Throw those hands in the air and let out a shout. God is up to something great, and it will work out for your good!

Greater still – the best is yet to come

December 5, 2018Posted in Endurance and suffering, Practical ChristianityTagged future, hope, new year, victory2 Comments

If in this life we hope only in ourselves, in the best that we can dream up, delve up or deliver, then we have reason to be dreadful and live on in despair. If our fate rests on the fullness of our faculty and fidelity then yes, we have reason to be frantic and fear the future. Mankind is a mess.

But Christians have cause for hope, a reason to look up and expect the good. Our surety of survival is in God, the eternally good and ever strong God. Our security for today and faith for the future is not based on nature’s mood, on man’s motive or my own mojo. We are hopeful because Our God Reigns! And his arm is not too short to save, his ear not too deaf to ear.[i] Our God is near, and He hears.

There is no place for hopelessness or defeatism in the heart and mind of a Christian. Like the elder said to despairing John imprisoned on Patmos, God is saying to the church today “WEEP NO MORE!”[ii] Christ has triumphed and is already unfolding His universal reign of peace!” Yes, Christ has come to reclaim God’s rightful reign and to redeem all of creation to Himself. God is up to something great!

Because of God’s generous, faithful character and expanding reign, I believe that the best is yet to come! Your tomorrow is better than today; expect to thrive and not only survive. You can be sure that God’s reign is always expanding, his grace is always abounding, his glory ever more visible. In God, your future is looking brighter still. The best is yet to come!

Your best life is yet to come. Ageing does not mean fading; your best years are still ahead. The psalmist recorded that “he who is planted in the house of the Lord will bear fruit in old age, he will be fresh and flourishing to declare that God is righteous!”[iii] Our Lord Jesus always keeps the best wine for the last, and makes the latter glory outshine the former.[iv]

Is your life miserable now? Then smile – in Christ, you can always expect better! No matter what this life throws at you, God makes ALL THINGS work together for your good.[v] That is your confidence of a good tomorrow!

Regardless where you are at in life, look up! God’s plans are for better welfare, a better hope, a better future.[vi] He has more and better plans prepared for you to walk in.[vii] He had already written your book, prepared all your days[viii] – your life story is not over yet, but we know it ends in glory! Come on, God is leading you upward, onward. Can you recall some of the surprises he has showered over your path in the past? Prepare your heart for more – your next leg is already littered with love. The best is yet to come!

The best you is yet to come. When you look at the mirror, do you like what you see? Do you love whom you’ve become? Cheer up – the best version of you is still being formed. God has started weaving you in your mother’s womb,[ix] but He is not done with you yet! You’re still “under construction” because God is ALWAYS at work in you shaping your character, growing your competence.[x] The resurrection Spirit is EVEN NOW giving life to your body,[xi] transforming you for gory to glory – just keep your eyes fixed on Him![xii] He is the not done with you yet – what He has started he will complete in you;[xiii] he is the Author and Perfecter of your faith. Christ, your hope of glory, is alive and at work in you.[xiv] The best is yet to come!

Your best victory is yet to come. God always leads us on in victory, from glory to glory until we win our last fight in Christ by overcoming death.[xv] I wrote previously that every scar is a reminder of a victory we have won in Christ, of our faith that has been tested, purified and approved. “What does not kill you makes you stronger” is true for every Christian. In all things we are more than overcomers in Christ![xvi]

You are stronger than you were before. David first conquered the lion, then the bear, then Goliath, and later the Philistine armies. Likewise, God is leading us through progressive victories. Do not fear these future fights – in God’s providential wisdom you will not be tested beyond what you can bear.[xvii] And for everything you face, His grace is sufficient and His strength is perfected.[xviii] Heads up! Your greatest victory is yet to come!

Another year is over. Another year of God’s faithful love and preserving grace. Another chapter in your book declaring “Thus far the Lord has brought us”.[xix] But the story is not done yet: there are grander adventures to live through, more glorious victories to be won, greater love to enjoy. The path of your purpose is prepared with plentiful provisions and pleasures. Look up! Be strong! Take courage! Nothing you will face tomorrow is impossible for God. You are growing from glory to glory. His mercies are new for every day, his grace sufficient for every challenge. With God, the best is yet to come. God is up to something great.

[i] Isaiah 57:1.

[ii] Revelation 5:4.

[iii] Psalm 92:13-15.

[iv] John 2:10.

[v] Romans 8:28.

[vi] Jeremiah 29:11.

[vii] Ephesians 2:13.

[viii] Psalm 139:16.

[ix] Psalm 139:13.

[x] Philippians 2:13.

[xi] Romans 8:11.

[xii] 2 Coronthians 3:18.

[xiii] Philippians 1:6.

[xiv] Colossians 1:27.

[xv] 2 Corinthians 14:14; 1 Corinthians 15:57.

[xvi] Romans 8:37.

[xvii] 1 Corinthians 10:13.

[xviii] 2 Corinthians 12:9.

[xix] 2 Samuel 7:12.

All Things New 1 – A new beginning

December 31, 2015December 31, 2015Posted in Endurance and suffering, Practical Christianity, UncategorizedTagged all things new, celebration, fresh start, new beginnings, new things, new year, second chanceLeave a comment

“Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:1-5)

It is quite fitting that we celebrate New Year’s Day. In its nature these celebrations rejoice in the faithfulness of God who has preserved us another year, so we can exclaim “Thus far the Lord has brought us!” (I Samuel 7:12). But more so it is a celebration of a fresh start, a clean slate, an unwritten book yet to be penned. There is the anticipation of the unknown, the mystery of the unpredictable – what does this year hold for us? How will things be at the end of this year? How will it change me?

A Fresh Start

It is necessary that we start this year with the reminder that our God is the God of a fresh start. He is the God of the second chance who never grows tired of his children but is always “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4). Jeremiah wrote “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23). New mercies every day. He is the One who lures the distant sinner closer by saying “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18). Indeed, our God is the God who wishes to put the past behind with the promise of a clean slate for a fresh start! His invitation is clear: “forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead… press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14).

A New Beginning

Our God is the God of New Beginnings. He is all-wise, all-mighty, and all-sufficient. Therefore over every situation we can confidently declare “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37; cf Jeremiah 32:27). He is the One who promised “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19). Our God springs life-giving water in a lifeless wilderness and creates a mighty army from dried bones (Ezekiel 37:1ff). Nothing is ever too far gone or too hard for him. He has the power and the wisdom to redeem the hopeless or to make something out of nothing. Even death does not mark the end since He himself rose from the dead and poured his resurrection spirit into our hearts (Romans 8:11). He is the reason we hope and don’t despair, the reason we confidently wait and smile in the face of impossible odds. Where there seems to be a dead end our God opens “a door of hope” (Hosea 2:15). Our God reconciles the divided, rejuvenates the fatigued, restores the broken, and revives the dead. He is the God of new beginnings! With him life goes on, forever.

New Things

Our God is the God of New Things. He is called Creator, the Beginning, and the Bright Morning Star announcing the coming new day. He is the God of new inventions, new solutions, new answers, a new way of life. As with the birth of a baby, new beginnings always starts with cries of pain and tears of desperation. These cries are not from a place of despair but in hopeful anticipation – joyful change is on the way. As the birth a baby represents the promise of new life, a clean slate and new potential, so every oppressive or painful situation holds the promise of this newness of life. And when God is at work in these painful circumstances he promises that it is certainly not in vain (Isaiah 66:8-9). This pattern we see repeated in the Scriptures.

The slaves cried out in Egypt – God’s answer for deliverance and a new way of life was in the birth of baby Moses; he embodied their answered prayer. Years later, in their promised land, time and again the oppressed Israelites cried out to God for deliverance, his answer was the judges Gideon, Sampson, Jephthah, Deborah. In a similar way the Bible talks of Samuel, David, Jeremiah, John the Baptist and, yes, Jesus our Redeemer. God’s plan for new things, new life, enters our world during painful times through a person whom he empowers. In a similar way, you are God’s answer for new things this year.

Your New Year

dont_look_back1 — “Don’t Look Back” by Erik Johansson

This is a New Year. The old is gone – it cannot be redone and it cannot be undone. But it is a good time to turn the page and start with a clean slate. Our God is the God of the Fresh Start. He is the God of the Fresh Start in whom we can find peace for a plagued conscience and forgiveness for a life wasted. Don’t despair – life is not over until he calls us home. Come reason with him; unburden yourself and find new mercies for this New Year. His steadfast love never ceases! What do you want to close the book on this year?

He is the God of the New Beginning, who creates a garden in the wasteland, an army out of dead bones and makes a way where there seems to be no way. Nothing is ever too hopeless for him to redeem. As long as your heart pumps he has good plans for you – plans of a glorious future. He heals bleeding hearts, mends shattered dreams and restores broken relationships. He truly makes all things new! What can he do for you and in you this year?

He is the God of New Things, the all-wise, all-mighty creator of all things who knows the end from the beginning. The Bible records how in the past he gave inspiration and plans for deliverance and warfare, for health, healing and sanitation, for designs and building of the ark, the tabernacle and temple, for arts, poetry and music, economic planning, supernatural providential sustenance and wise governance. What can he do though you this year?