As we start 2024 I want to leave you with some simple encouragement. I am very aware that, for some of you, 2023 has been a very difficult year when you have had to deal with some crisis, trouble or death. Perhaps you have been left scarred or broken. Well, this short blog post is to help you get your focus on the LORD as you enter 2024.
The Bible verse that I want to leave with you as an encouragement to help you face whatever lies ahead is found in Deuteronomy 31v8.
“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
Who is the verse speaking about?
It is the LORD, JEHOVAH. When 'LORD' is written in the KJV in capital letters, it means that the Hebrew word is JEHOVAH. This is the great Eternal, Sovereign God who appeared to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3). He is the Only True Living God. He is the One who was trusted, loved and obeyed by the godly prophets, priests and kings in the Old Testament. JEHOVAH is still the same today and can still perform His mighty wonders amongst His people. So, this verse is telling us some wonderful things JEHOVAH will do for us.
He goes before you
This makes me think of the words of Psalm 23 where it says that the LORD (JEHOVAH) is my Shepherd and He leadeth me.
The eastern shepherd would go before his sheep and lead them. He would not go behind them and drive them. He would face their foes and dangers before they would and he would make sure they were kept safe and all their needs were provided for.
The Lord Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd in John 10. He leads His sheep (Christians) and they follow Him because they know His voice and trust Him.
Dear child of God, this is the One who goes before you into 2024. There is just no situation that He cannot lead you through. Just listen to HIS voice and follow Him, trusting Him implicitly.
He will be with you
There is no question or doubt about it. The LORD will be with you. He will be with you in the dark, hurtful and dreary times as well as the joyful, hopeful and successful times. So, throughout 2024 He will be with you. Enjoy His presence. Do not doubt it. He is far more exceedingly able to help and comfort you in your every situation than you can even imagine Him to be.
He will not fail you
Friends, church, organisations and even family may fail you but the LORD will not fail you. He will not fail you morning, noon or night. People may let you down many times, perhaps when things get difficult in life, but the LORD will not fail you even once. So, you can believe every promise that the great Eternal Sovereign LORD makes to you. Enter 2024 expecting great things from the Lord who will never fail you wherever you go.
He will not forsake you
People may forsake you and leave you alone but the LORD will not. He says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13v5). He does not just bring you so far and then leave you to face life situations alone. He will never forsake you. So, you can enter 2024 with contentment and assurance, depending on the One who will never forsake you, no matter what family or financial problems you face. He has you in the palm of His hand and no one, not even the devil, can pluck you out of it (John 10v28).
Conclusion
Fear not. Why should you be afraid when you have this wonderful promise from the Lord?
Be not dismayed. There is no reason for you to be disheartened or distressed as you enter 2024. Go forward with the strength and courage that Christ gives.
Focus not on the negatives and problems in life. Focus on the LORD and you will get a heavenly perspective and divine power to help you face 2024. Claim this beautiful promise from the Lord as your very own.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour, then repent of your sin, having faith in His finished work on Calvary for your salvation. Then, you can claim this wonderful promise, too, as you enter 2024.
Wishing you a peaceful and blessed New Year.
No comments:
Post a Comment