2011 - AN UNKNOWN FUTURE

A recent cartoon depicted a man happily pushing away the last “0” of the date 2010. No sooner had he removed it than the figure “1” which was to replace it came down on him at great pace and completely flattened him! Welcome to the New Year! It could well be a difficult year.
One of the great mercies of God is to keep the future hidden from us. That means surprises really become surprises, and also that we are kept from fretting about the difficulties that lie ahead. How dull and threatening life would be if we knew exactly how it would pan out!


However, we can be aware of some very important things about the future, things that can give us a confidence and a hope. God very much wants us to be aware of those. They come in the form of promises and they are very positive.

For this seasonal New Year Column I thought I would list some of them (all of them would make a book!). We cannot do better than walk into the unknown future armed with God’s promises. They are certainly more assured than the promises we make to ourselves. They have certainly supported me in 2010 and are still there for 2011.

“No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” Ps 84:11 So make godliness the absolute prime aim of your life.

“He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” Ps91:11 Cling to this!

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…like a cedar… They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright, he is my rock.’” Ps. 92:15 Old age is no barrier to the blessing of God nor to a useful, helpful life; quite the contrary! Stay godly.

“Though you make me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again” Ps 71:20 Don’t forget this – God can restore from the very depths.

“Light is shed on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart” Ps 97:12 Here it is again; if you remain upright, you’ll understand where you are and where you’re going.

“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak … the Lord will preserve him and protect his life” Ps 41:1 Never forget those who are less fortunate than yourself – and give!

“For this God is our God for ever and ever. He will be our guide even unto the end.” Ps 48:14 God is totally loving, totally faithful and totally strong – you are safe with Him.

These are covenant promises – wear them like a ring, constantly, in the days ahead.


Bob


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