Thought for the Week - 3/1/2021

 

Dear Friends,

As we sit at the beginning of a New Year, 2020 fading in the distance, 2021 on the horizon, we can pause for a moment and give thanks to God for all his goodness and provision to us and look ahead in hope to what the Lord has in store for us. The beginning of a new year is always a time to be in a meditative and reflective mood, and as 2020 ends there is lots to look back on. And whilst it has been a struggle for a lot of people, there has been heartache and upset, disappointment and trials to contend with, we can also take this time to thank God that he has brought us thus far and acknowledge that he will continue with us on into 2021, whatever it may hold. I’ve recently been reminded of the life of Joshua, Moses’ successor in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. At the outset, as he takes on this role, the Lord urges Joshua to ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9). It is not for us to know what the future holds, but only to keep on trusting in the God who will never leave us or forsake us, and in whom we can depend for all times and events in our lives.

At the beginning of this New Year, you might like to use the Methodist Covenant Prayer (revised edition) as you recommit your life to God:

I am no longer my own but yours. Your will, not mine, be done in all things, wherever you may place me, in all that I do and all that I may endure; when there is work for me and when there is none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace. Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking; when I have all things, and when I have nothing. I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose. Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. May it be so for ever. Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven. Amen.


Grace and peace,


Neil


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