"This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man gloat in his wisdom, or the mighty man in his might, or the rich man in his riches. Let them boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who is just and righteous, whose love is unfailing, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!”
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT)
Where will you turn for strength, encouragement and help as you face the new year? We all approach the next 12 months with at least some uncertainty. I like the advice the God of heaven gave us through His prophet Jeremiah.
Notice His words are addressed to the wise (those who are prudent, discerning and who listen to God.) They won’t trust in their own wisdom, their own might and their own riches. Those are three places we often run for security that are certain to let us down.
Let’s make sure we don’t count on our own reasoning power, our own physical strength and our own bank accounts to feel secure as we move into a new year. Instead, if we celebrate, or find confidence in anything, let it be in our relationship with our God.
What gives us true security is what we know about our God: He is just, righteous and has a love that is unfailing. The decisions He makes for our lives will always be fair, how He handles our lives will always be according to His standards of right, and over everything will be a loyal, affectionate love that will never go away.
We should also notice that God delights in these things. Our God values His justice, His righteousness and His unfailing love with great fondness and affection. That means we don’t need to worry that if we count on all three, God will change and we’ll lose them.
Finally, don’t miss it, God signed His name. “I, the LORD, have spoken!” When God signs His name, we have His guarantee in writing.
Now we’re ready to begin a new year!
Blessings!
Pastor Delaine