The final pages of the chapter in our lives titled ‘2007’ are able to be written. A new chapter will soon begin, and what is to be written in that chapter will soon unfold. It’s title, of course, is ‘2008’ and if we are fortunate enough to see that chapter completed, what will it’s pages contain that describe our lives in that year?

Will the chapter titled ‘2008’ reveal a growing and deepening love for Christ, a growth in Christ greater than any year previous, and a full life of service to the Savior? Will it show sins conquered, relationships prospering, and time well and often spent in the worship of God? Will it reveal multiple hours of study, contemplation, and application of God’s Word to our lives? Will it reflect much time and depth of spirit in prayer before God in praise, thanks, and petition for the saints and for Christ’s church? Will it reveal a life wholly committed to the Lord Jesus Christ or a life mixed with Christ and the remaining love for the world? In short, will the life spent reflect one that yields honor to our Lord or shame?

Jesus summed up the life of His people well when in the sermon on the mount He said, “Continually seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” We quite often reverse it in real practice by taking care of our desires, needs, and interests first, then looking to the Lord with what is left. He wants it all – our heart, our mind, our hopes, desires, interests, our lives. And He promises that when our whole focus is on Him, His ways, His commands, His interests, His calling – that He will provide for what we need in this life, in this year, this day, this hour. The Psalmist, in 37:4, said, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” For years I thought the formula in this passage was ‘love the Lord and He’ll give you everything you want.’ Not so, I eventually realized. The formula is wrapped up in the context (verses 3-9) and it is to trust in the Lord and walk in His ways, and He will give you the desires of your heart (which more and more, walking in His ways, leads the desires of your heart to be the desires of His heart as well!). That’s life changing. That involves the sacrifice of self and self interests. That puts Christ first. That changes your life.

As you reflect on this encouragement and challenge may the Lord turn the chapter titled ‘2008’ into the most life changing, self forsaking, God honoring chapter yet to be written in the chronicles of your years on this earth.

You don’t need to turn the page to the next chapter. If God leaves you here, He will turn the page …………