On this January 1, 2023, in my daily quiet time I read a Bible verse that reminded me of what we all hope to cling to in the beginning of a new year.
You crown the year with Your goodness,
And Your paths drip with abundance.
They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
And the little hills rejoice on every side.
The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, they also sing. Psalm 65:11-13
I wanted this to mean 2023 was going to be a year crowned by God Himself with abundance, and goodness for me personally. Just as hills, pastures, and valleys are clothed with flocks and grain, I would be clothed with God’s blessings. I became excited at the thought of this kind of year. I asked of the Lord, “is this a promise for me in 2023?” But my question was not met with a yes.
In realizing that this verse is probably a promise of the Messiah’s literal rein on earth (still future), I tucked it away, reminded by God’s Spirit that hoping in His future promises are cleansing (he who has this hope is purified – 1 John 3:3). I was satisfied with this, even though it’s not what I initially expected and wanted. I concluded that in this future hope I was to cling.
However, there was more the Lord gave me today by way of perspective in the new year which turned out to be a completely different message all together than the year of abundance. In church today, we read the following:
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27
It stood out to me that for both the wise and foolish builders, the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on the house. I believe this is my promise for the year: figuratively, the rains and floods will come; the wind will blow and beat upon the house. A very different promise than the one I wanted! Never-the-less, I accept it because, as strange as it may seem, it brings me tremendous peace. There will be rain, floods, wind, and storms in 2023. But I can say with all certainty that my house will not fall because it is founded on the Rock.
And yet, maybe this is the abundance I long for after all!
In the words of Charles Spurgeon:
“I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages.”
Bring it on, 2023. I’m certain there will be storms. In fact, I’ve been promised there will be. But in all of it, may I be founded upon Jesus Christ and hidden in the cleft of The Rock of Ages.
Take a listen to this and be encouraged.
Hymn
Rock of Ages
Augustus Toplady
1776
