Happy New Year! As I was ringing in 2018 playing Settlers of Catan (a board game) in my pajamas, my eye kept wandering to a sign that our friends recently put up in their kitchen. “365 New Days, 365 New Opportunities” In the beginning of a new year, this type of thought can be exhilarating, yet at the same time frightening. How refreshing it is to have a new year to achieve and try new things, yet also slightly unsettling due to the inevitable accompaniment of difficulties and struggles?
In God’s story, David’s life is a powerful example of great achievement and extreme difficulty. When I read about his faith and unwavering hope in the Lord it actually causes me to sometimes stop and speak out loud, “wow”. The opening line in Psalm 27 states, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” BOOM. That sums it up in a succinct proclamation. After reading that opening line, I want to stand up and scream, “I can do anything!”; yet the reality of belief becoming action is a bit more daunting.
A common favorite among Christians is Philippians 4:13, “I can do anything through Christ, who gives me strength”. This verse tends to serve as empowerment for the idea of being able to achieve anything. Interestingly, the context in which it is written by Paul illustrates that he has known what it is to live in abundance AND need. The secret is that he has learned to be content in all circumstances, THUS he can do all things through him who gives him strength.
David, states in Psalm 27 that he is empowered by the Lord, yet he cries out for the Lord to hear him and not forsake him. He knows the reality of the wicked and chaotic world around him. David feels the pull and pressure of his enemies’ pursuits, yet he fights to be on a straight path that seeks the Lord’s face. This longing for the Lord reminds me of one of the old carnival rides where Newton’s laws of motion (only those physicists out there really know which one) are put into effect. You get in a circular structure with lots of other people and it starts spinning so fast, you stick to the wall. Have you ever tried to stick your hand out towards the center? Super hard. Have you tried to turn to the side and look at your friend? Vomit. All you can do is keep your head forward and focus on the center and know that you will be stable and secure until it is over.
David and Paul both identified that this world is challenging, yet beautiful. In a new year, we have 365+ opportunities to trust that there will indeed be excitements, yet struggles as well. The truth is that the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As David states, “Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord”, and as Paul states, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Therefore, all I have left to say is, “Bring It 2018!”, because no matter what you throw my way, me and my God, we got this.
-- Tina Kernes