It was a time for renewed beginnings. The children of Israel, having left Egypt a generation ago, had wandered through the wilderness for forty years. The generation that left Egypt would not see the Promised Land because of its stubborn and rebellious heart. A new generation, under the leadership of Joshua, had left the wilderness and had begun conquering the land God had promised to Abraham so many years before. Now, as they prepared to go take possession of the land, Joshua offered them both encouragement and a challenge. “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:14-15).
Today, we stand at the threshold of a New Year, a year that offers us renewed beginnings. What kind of year will it be, for you individually, and all of us together as the body of Christ? What opportunities are ahead? What challenges will we face? What will we accomplish this year, in our own lives and for the sake of the kingdom?
We may not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future. No doubt this year will bring tragedy and triumph, defeat and success, joy and sorrow. No matter what we encounter, we can be more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). Only in Him can we know that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This New Year can be great, no matter what happens, if we trust in God and commit our ways to Him.
What are some choices we can make this year, which will help us in living the Christian life? We can choose to be faithful in every opportunity to assemble with brothers and sisters in Christ. Take advantage of worship assemblies, Gospel meetings, lectureships and the joy of fellowship. Life in Christ is easier when shared with others than when we try to go it alone. We can choose to spend time in the Word of God everyday. Our special emphasis on daily Bible reading is a good way to let Scripture sink into our hearts and minds, to direct and guide us through all the challenges life offers. Life in Christ is easier when we allow God to direct our paths through His Word. We can also choose to be constant in prayer. Communication is such an important part of any relationship, but how much more so with our heavenly Father. What strength we will find when prayer is an unfailing aspect of daily living.
Like Joshua, we should choose whom we will serve. The gods of materialism, pleasure and worldliness are ill suited to help us make the most of this New Year. The God of Scripture, who offered His Son on our behalf, can help us make the most of it, no matter what happens. For yourself, and as part of the body of Christ, choose today to serve the Lord. Renewed in Him, what a great year this will be!