2019 is finally here, it has been a few millenniums in the making. What shall we do with the gift of 2019 we have been given? Yes, I call it a gift, a present, one in which we should engaged with, for God has created and entrusted us with it. Psalm 118:24 says “this is the day the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it”. 2019 is a year the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
We’ve all come through tough and trying times, some more than others. David certainly knew hard times living in caves and fleeing for his life from his father in law, King Saul, though he had done no wrong; there was even a time David’s own men wanted to kill him after all had been taken away; but what do we find David doing? He encouraged himself in the Lord, another translation states David found strength in the Lord his God.
There are days we don’t feel like rejoicing, when it’s the last thing on our mind; our mood is downcast, it’s difficult to look up or find a silver lining in the clouds. We find the Psalmists were right there with us, and they laid it out before the Lord not hiding their feelings from him, yet, as they talked with the Lord their prayers ended in praise. God has given us this day, this year, to know him more intimately, to serve him, to walk in his extravagant love, and to know his amazing grace; God still has plans for good, to give us a future and a hope; further Romans 8:28 states “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”; are these not all something worth rejoicing over!
Gods’ looking for Kingdom ambassadors, not just inside the church but outside of its four walls; those who will take the Good News to others, who will cheer others up, be a support and encouragement; to share a kind word or smile, to let them know they are not alone, to give hope. We can’t all touch everyone, but we can all touch someone; maybe it’s the person behind us in the checkout line, taking our order, or perhaps dials our number in error – is it really an error or divine set up.
Many things in life are a matter of choice; will we choose to seek first the Kingdom of God in 2019? Will we choose to rejoice in it? Will we choose to be Kingdom ambassadors in the home, on the street, or in the marketplace?
What will we choose to do with the gift of 2019?
Beyond the Silver Coin 