Comfort For 2022
At the beginning of the New Year, we often reflect on the year that is past and marvel at the goodness of God in our lives. Even in the face of adversity, Christians testify of God's nearness and help through those moments of suffering and trial. God is infinitely good, a stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum1:7).
Psalm 23
The Psalmist David, who shared his heartfelt emotions in his compilation of Tehillim, wrote frequently about the goodness and mercy of God. His best known Psalm 23 expresses his deep trust in the provision, presence, anointing and promise of a personal God:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23
These words have brought comfort to countless believers throughout several millennia. Perhaps 2022 is the year we will need to meditate most on the truth and hope of this inspired song.
Like David, we can be certain that our lives are in the hand of a compassionate, caring God who is deeply interested in our physical and spiritual well-being. He will provide all we need for this life, but more importantly, believers rejoice in eternal salvation procured through the death and resurrection of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation
Perhaps some of my readers are not familiar with Biblical salvation and the assurance of eternal life. The Bible clarifies that we cannot attain salvation through good works or efforts of our own merit. Salvation is a gift through faith alone, as we read in Ephesians 2 v 8:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
This undeserved gift means we are saved from God's judgement, which has already been placed on the Lord at Calvary. He bore the punishment for sin, allowing us to go free and be declared righteous if we repent and receive Him as our Saviour and Lord. It is His goodness which leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
Assurance
The calm assurance of Psalm 23 can be ours when we fully commit our ways to the Great Shepherd. He will refresh our souls in His pastures of abundance and cause our cup to run over because of His goodness and mercy.
This year may bring further challenges and hardship for many. As believers, we have confidence in the unfathomable goodness of our sovereign God, who is working out His plan according to His timetable. How amazing to remember that the One who holds this vast universe together also regards the minute details of our lives and wants to bless us! In return, let us embrace His will and live for his glory in 2022!
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
C.D. Martin