“Now it came about when the sons of Israel cried to the Lord on account of Midian, that the Lord sent a prophet to the sons of Israel, and he said to them, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “It was I who brought you up from Egypt and brought you out from the house of slavery. I delivered you from the hands of the Egyptians and from the hands of all your oppressors, and dispossessed them before you and gave you their land.”’” Judges 6:7-9
It’s that time of year again when we move from one calendar year to the next and anticipate the dropping of a well-lit ball atop a skyscraper in New York City. While some see the change in years as a new beginning, the reality is that it is a continuation. Many of the New Year’s memes reflect the idea that 2017 will be better than 2016. Overall and statistically, it will be roughly the same because, as Solomon put it, “there is nothing new under the sun”. There will be births, deaths, marriages, divorces, wars, politics, etc.…more of what we had this year. In reality what marks the year for each of us is how intense and personal the highs and lows are. So it is quite possible for individuals to have significantly differing viewpoints as to how wonderful or dreadful the last year has been. Personally, 2016 was about average and as I look to 2017, I have no great expectations. Certainly, there are event’s which could cause great joy or stress but the future is unknown. Consequently, barring the Lord’s return, I don’t foresee anything terribly new happening. Therefore, as I anticipate that “big ball dropping”, I am focusing on three things: remembering, waiting and hoping.
The context of the passage above is that the Midianites and the Amalekites had been terrorizing the Israelites by destroying their crops and taking their livestock for seven years. Despite the fact that this suffering was the result of their disobedience, God’s response was to urge them to remember the past; specifically, to remember how He was with them and had delivered them from slavery in Egypt as well as other oppressors. Despite their disobedience and lack of faith, time and time again, God was with them, sustained them, protected them and delivered them. So as I considered 2016, I remember that throughout the year (as well as all previous years), despite trials, fears, sin and, at times, lack of faith, God patiently and lovingly sustained, guided and encouraged me.
Psalm 27 tells us: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.” Further, Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God did in fact deliver the Israelites from Midianites and the Amalekites through Gideon. However, that deliverance came according to God’s plan which defied all human logic. Rather than fight with 32.000 men, God had Gideon “attack” with 300 men carrying torches, trumpets and pitchers. The initial battle was accomplished by God confusing the enemy and causing them to turn against each other. As I look toward 2017, I will do my best to wait on God. It’s not that I’m going to sit around doing nothing, but rather than fearing the worst or assuming that my plans are more important than God’s, I’ll allow Him to unfold His plans as He sees fit. Both worrying and assuming that my plans are the only means of joy equally bring about unnecessary frustration and pain. I trust that there will be some amount of difficulty and loss in 2017, but I equally trust that God will be there with me sustaining me and providing the peace that only He can deliver. I assume that there will also be times of happiness and joy. However, I know from past experience that the greatest joy that I can realize will come from God’s plans rather than my own and that waiting for His guidance and deliverance (even in dark moments) will provide the greatest joy in the coming year no matter what comes my way. Consequently I will do well to remember “The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness” (Psalm 147:11) and wait patiently for His direction.
Gideon and the Israelites defeated the Midianites and the Amalekites because they put their hope and trust in God. The ultimate goal for this discussion is to face the new year with hope. That hope comes from knowing God’s character and promises as well as remembering how God has worked in the past. I remember not only the examples provided in scripture, but also the mighty ways in which He has worked in my own life. By waiting on God and seeking to stay in step with Him, I do my best to make His goals my goals and therefore live to serve Him rather than myself. In other words my hope is in God not my own plans and goals or as stated in Lamentations 3:24 “‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” Also, we are promised that when we place our hope in God and His eternal plan, we will not be disappointed.
If your current circumstances provide you with great optimism for the coming year, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (Psalm 136:1) By praising God and testifying to His goodness as you look forward to the coming year, you draw near to God, feed your soul and encourage those around you. However, if your present situation is daunting and causes you concern with respect to the future, remember God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Remember what He has done in the past, seek His will, share your concerns with Him and allow His peace to calm your soul and look to the future with hope that trusts in God. No matter what your outlook is for 2017 as you proceed through the new year, remember, wait and hope.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) …and Happy New Year!
Will