The start of a new year can sometimes bring with it mixed
emotions ranging from fear and uncertainty to the
excitement and anticipation of what the new year might
hold for us in our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones. As we reflect
on the past year and look ahead, it is perhaps a good time to search the
Bible to find words of wisdom or a word of encouragement to help us to
make sense of where we are and to remind ourselves of God’s constant
loving provision and ongoing protection in our lives. Doing a “word” search
of the Bible and finding a useful verse is helpful. Talking of word searches
of a different kind for a moment did you know that Global word search day
falls on 17th January each year? So, for those of us who like doing word
searches and puzzles, I enclose a word search to help pass the time during
January and keep the little grey cells active. Coming back to the Bible,
perhaps you have a particular verse or passage that you refer to in times
of need or perhaps you pray that God will guide you to a helpful verse or
passage in the Bible as you open it up. If this is neither the case, then don’t
worry because the Holy Spirit has guided me to a familiar verse I have myself
visited before and will share here. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, the Apostle Paul
writes: ‘For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal
glory that far outweighs them all.’ I sense that Paul’s words of
encouragement are particularly appropriate for us as we begin 2022 where
we are continuing to try to live with the ongoing challenge of the
coronavirus together with other life, health, financial and family issues
which to varying degrees are perhaps causing us concern. While Paul
reminds us that although as children of God and as a church family, we are
not immune from bad stuff happening, we have a future hope – an eternal
glory that we will all share which far surpasses any troubles or challenges
we are currently facing right now. While it understandable that we might
focus on the negatives of our own situation, Paul says we need to take heart
that these troubles are light and momentary in the bigger scheme of things.
In patiently enduring them now with a smile and seeking God’s wisdom,
we have the future promise of a glorious inheritance as co-heirs with Jesus
in Heaven. And whilst we wait, we also have the reassuring and current
promise of a faithful God who walks with us every step of the way and
provides for our needs as we continue our everyday lives in the here and now
in 2022.

New year blessings, prayers, and love.

Robert