I hope you are doing well. Colds and flu have been so widespread this year. Nearly everyone I know has gotten sick or at least someone in their family. I start back to school this week. It has been a refreshing break and a good time to connect with people and with God.
Have you been thinking about this new year? Can you see that God is calling you out of the cold of life on your own to a warm home with himself–much like moving from the dead of winter to new life in spring? He gives you guidelines not to restrict you, but to save you and free you. When he tells you something it is always out of love and it is always for your good (even though at times it is the tough side of his love). For example, when he says not to worry, but to cast all your cares on him it’s because he wants you to experience his peace and provision (Philippians 4:5-7; Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 5:6-7). When he says to forgive others it’s because he wants you to deeply understand the forgiveness he has offered you and to experience the healing and freedom to move forward in relationships (Matthew 6:14-15).
Living life for yourself may seem fun for a season but it is empty, unfulfilling, and eventually deadly by isolating you from God–the source of life. Instead God wants you to experience abundant life and true love by drawing closer to him–putting him first, others second, and yourself third (Luke 10:25-28). He designed you and knows all of your days from beginning to end. To help you get the most out of them he has shared his will and his way for you in Jesus.
Jesus, as the Word of God, is the express nature of God’s message, mission, and character. His words are a light unto your path and a lamp unto your feet (Psalm 119:105). This means that his words and Jesus are the living example that show you a broad vision, hope, and direction in life and that empart the practical, daily wisdom and power to walk in that way. This year I’m praying that one faith step at a time you can grow in listening to Jesus, then trust him and obey him out of sheer love for him. Then may your relationship with him warm the hearts of others to come to know God. Is that your desire?