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"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness'" (Jeremiah 31:3). "God has said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:5,8).
As I prepare this final encouragement message for 2005 I want to share a special message of hope and assurance. I consider the various burdens and uncertainties so many of you are dealing with. In many cases Brooksyne and I can visualize who you are and the situations you struggle with. You may be a family member, a friend or a former parishioner. Perhaps you're among the many we meet in our chaplain service or a faithful reader of the Daily Encouragement.
A recent example of this is a note from a man who found our site as he was searching for devotionals and prayers to share with his wife who has cancer. Both are blind so they have that challenge as well.
At creation God established the annual unit of time (Genesis 1:14). The passing of years is a great time to do some reflecting as well as looking ahead to the next phase in our life's journey. We each look back to milestones this past year and for some they're more significant than others. In my case this was the year my Mom ended her earthly journey so that's a major passage for me as well. Generationally I realize am the next to go.
Some of you look ahead to 2006 with a temporal optimism; in your life things are going well and you feel secure. Your health's good, job seems secure, life is good for you. But others face the new year with a great sense of uncertainty. You may be dealing with a health issue, a job transition or some other form of distress. Today's message is for both.
Settle deep in your spirit that our one and only certain source of hope is Jesus Christ. He alone is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. This is expressed so well in the great hymn "The Solid Rock" in the line, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."
I selected verses today that express three unchangeable truths concerning God.
• He loves us with an everlasting love.
• He will never leave us.
• He is always the same.
As we ground our faith in these truths we can, regardless of our temporal condition, experience the hope, peace and assurance that is at the very core of living an abundant life.
Brooksyne has been practicing the words to a song "Jesus Will Still Be There" that has a very fitting theme for beginning a new year and will be sharing it in church this Sunday. (The lyrics are included below.) We are reminded of a most certain reality; that Jesus will still be there. His love will never change, no matter what changes around us. As we end one year and move into another He is a never-changing Presence in our lives. We can absolutely rely upon Him!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, the tempest may blow and the storm clouds gather, but You are my shelter in the storms of life. I find my refuge and strength in You, the Rock of Ages. Help me to be unwavering in my faith when debris from the storms of life encircle me and attempt to get me off the right path. You promise never to abandon me; instead You carefully guide me to safety as I cling tightly to Your hand. Even as I daily experienced Your goodness and faithfulness in 2005 I am absolutely certain I will enjoy Your constant presence in my life and those I love in the new year of 2006.
Following are the words to the song, mentioned in today's message. Here is an online audio version.
Things change, plans fail
You look for love on a grander scale
Storms rise, hopes fade
And you place your bets on another day
When the going gets tough, when the ride's too rough
When you're just not sure enough...
Jesus will still be there
His love will never change
Sure as a steady rain
Jesus will still be there
When no one else is true
He'll still be loving you
When it looks like you've lost it all
And you haven't got a prayer
Jesus will still be there
Time flies, hearts turn
A little bit wiser from lessons learned
But sometimes weakness wins
And you lose your foothold once again
When the going gets tough, when the ride's too rough
When you're just not sure enough...
When it looks like you've lost it all
And you haven't got a prayer
Jesus will still be there.
"Jesus Will Still Be There" Sterling, Robert / Mandeville, John © 1993 McSpadden Music/ASCAP CCLI License No. 2005306
Brooksyne especially enjoys a group called "Point of Grace" which sings this song and quite a number of others that have rich meaning. On Monday I want to share another one with you that will give us another perspective of encouragement and hope as we begin a new year.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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