30/12/2020
Here is my pondering heart. A message from me closing 2020, and words to help us gently enter the new year.
As you read this, do remember the entire world has experienced the same crazy unprecedented year as we have. A scary year of uncertainties, a year of wondering what’s going to happen next. Even our national leaders have struggled to navigate this year for their citizens.
We close this year with humble praise and tearful worship considering all the families who had loved ones taken due to this pandemic; we remember them. Globally and personally, we feel the sadness. We draw near to God in prayer and we draw near to “ the throne of grace” to receive mercy and grace to help us in such a time. For others, the pandemic may not have taken a loved one, but various calamities and sicknesses did. Tragic events outside of Covid occurred and we remember you, who went through such grief.
So, as we enter into this New Year, we do so gently. Leaving 2020 with thoughtfulness, asking the God of all comfort and grace, to comfort and heal the broken-hearted among us. Therefore, we are reminded that in all our teaching and preaching, and encouraging of the flock to be strong in the Lord (which we must do), we also remember the tears shed by others. Also, we remember (as Ps. Jocel preached) that this year has been a year of glaring contrasts: the Holy Spirit’s glorious presence surrounding us, contrasted by the events happening around us and the gloomy news pressing upon us. And yet, the Holy Spirit presses greater! While Divine Hope was heralded, hopelessness hovered. But as we prayed, we did arise!
Our weakness and worries met our great High Priest. Fears met our “great faith.”Turmoil met the words, “My redeemer lives.”Anxiety met the residing “Prince of Peace.” The sense of abandonment met the “Everlasting Father” and the One Who Sees. While uncertainly met the One Who is called Wonderful and Counselor!
The contrasts were felt. But, the precepts of God and of His Kingdom were felt too, and prevailed! Some people were feeling trapped like Paul and Silas chained, but at midnight started to sing praises, not knowing (or knowing) the divine intervention that would follow those who praise God in the dark times and what praise would bring forth.
It has been a year of “ever increasing faith” and of, “counting it all joy.” A year of speaking to the storm, saying, “Peace! Be still.” It was a year of knowing that God is the “God Who sees me in my distress.” We are exhorted to remember (as Ps. Jocel preached) to see Christ no matter what is happening!
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
I will praise Him, though the fig tree fail to bosom and no fruit be on the vine, or no provision can be seen - I will praise Him still! His blessings and glorious glories flood us as we continue to always be looking unto Jesus.
Exiting 2020 with a tear and a sword of victory, we enter 2021 knowing, “He will never leave us nor forsake us,” and “He is with us until the end of the age!”
So arise! See the majesty of the Son of God!
God bless you all!
- Ps. Shoddy Chase
