Encouragement

As The Light of the World Gets Brighter John 8v12

by Eyvonne Black
12/31/24
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 Today is the first day of 2025, a day celebrated worldwide. Two Thousand and Twenty-five also total nine, biblically represented as finality and divine completeness, the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one.

The New Year on the Gregorian calendar typically calls for reflections and resolutions. When reflecting, for most, the focus is often on the worst that has happened during the past year: the things that caused suffering and remembering the pain of those we lost. Then, we wonder how different the new year will be and fleeting resolutions are formed. We must find and carry a torch of strength and hope by connecting with and appreciating the God of this Universe. We can never be sure of what the future holds. Nevertheless, we can trust the One who is closer than our breath.

In Jeremiah 29:11, our Heavenly Father reassures us by saying, ‘For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you, not [to] harm you, to give you hope and a future.’ You might say, ‘Blackie, that scripture does not apply to me. I have prayed and waited and still waiting.’ And I will say, ‘You are not alone; many, including me, have felt the trauma of waiting.’ Many have prayed for things that they felt would please God at the time and couldn’t understand why they were not getting a positive response. I would kneel and confront God, reminding Him of His promises. The scripture in Matthew 7:7-8 clearly states, ‘Ask, and it shall be given …. For anyone who asks receives.’ Countless times, I have been angry with God for not fulfilling His promises. Still, it took many years for me to recognise that if I had received what I had asked for, I would have regretted it.

I have learned from my experiences that our Heavenly Father only wants the best for us. The best that we cannot see until it is in our hands. Being patient was never a quality I cultivated, and I learned the hard way from not recognising the benefit of this spiritual fruit Galatians 5:22-23. 

As we enter 2025 and look forward to travelling for another 365 days, let’s be mindful of these five facts.

1. Our Heavenly Father promises to go before us and will never fail or forsake us Deuteronomy 31:8.


2. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, Isaiah 55:8-9. So, when we think this is all there is, God's plans will reveal something more significant than we imagined.


3. Don’t consider setbacks as an enemy; see them as lessons learned that will move us to the next level with more clarity: The Apostle Paul declares in Romans 8:18, ‘For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.’


4. The essential need to forgive: We will enter another year, not feeling utterly free if we harbour resentment and unforgiveness. I understand that it may be challenging to let go of past hurts. Still, unforgiveness prevents us from receiving the fulfilment of our prayers. We cannot expect God’s forgiveness if we do not forgive others. Remember, forgiveness is for our peace of mind. Matthew 6:12 says, ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’ Forgiving others is not an option. It is an expectation. That is not to say you stick around to be a punching bag. You step away from the hurt and pain and do not bring it to memory. Shut down or stay away from those who want you to remember.


5. 5.      Build or join a positive community. A community that aligns with who you are and can support your vision. Whether you recognise it or not, we need one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, ‘And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another ….’  

We are also here to serve in whatever area our passion leads. However, we can improve our mental and physical well-being while servicing by recognising that we are made in God’s mental and spiritual image. In John 10:34, Jesus reminded his fellow Jewish brothers when they confronted him regarding his declaration of claiming to be God’s beloved son. He said (referring to our Heavenly Father's words in Psalm 82:6), ‘Is it not written in your law, I said, you are gods?’ Therefore, when accepting this identity, it will feel natural to cultivate a positive attitude in observing God’s word with zeal and dedication and following His son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus, the Messiah.

As Kingdom Citizens, we are responsible for reflecting His Light so others can benefit from our hope in Him. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, ‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.’

When everyone recognises that the spiritual part within us is more powerful than our physical existence, no matter what pitfalls we may encounter in 2025, we will overcome them! Psalm 34:19 says, 'Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord [hears] and delivers him out of them all.’ ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27:1).

 With that said, I wish you all a year of blessings filled with love and laughter and, most importantly, a year in which you can reflect and say at the end of the 365 days, ‘The light of the world has been an anchor, strength, hope and redemption not only for me but also for those I served.  

This is Blackie the Berean binging biblical treasures ‘As the Light of the World Gets Brighter.’

References:

Agape Bible Study https://wwwagapebiblestudy.com

Digital Bible https://digitalbible.ca

The Bible: English Standard Version (ESV) various scriptures

YouTube Video presentation: https://youtu.be/ki_mghPMdNU