I've been really blessed recently by our local pastor's ministry through Job. Like all wisdom literature books in the bible, the considerations in hand are the big subjects... life, death, suffering, salvation and the imperative need to know our God relationally in all his saving character, resources, and intimate help. In the routine business and busyness of life, the quick-changing seasons and circumstances of life, it is easy to lose perspective and lose focus on the matters of our own spiritual state, those things which are of ultimate importance.
It reminded me of a Psalm I read at the beginning of the new year, which sets good priorities for each new day.
Psalm 90: (12-17)
1) An urgent reminder each morning that we are mortal.
Life is a gift. Breath is from THE LORD.
We live in a world of hubris, where ongoing days are assumed, overconfidence to master our lives and reach ultimate success as independent creatures who build their own kingdoms and master their destinies grows, despite the trajectory and weight of evidence to the contrary we so clearly witness.
A heart of wisdom comes from remembering that our days are numbered and our times are in His hands. Remind us, Lord, each day, that whatever our circumstances and however dire the pressures we face from a broken world are, your commitment to us in Christ, your providential purposes for our lives in him, are working all things according to your eternal purposes and daily provision. Whilst "leaves on the line" or "frozen points" may cancel our train, leaving us on a cold station far too long, your purposes supersede circumstances (Romans 8:28). There are many uncertainties, surprise timings, unexpected challenges, but what will never be shaken is your commitment to us in Christ and your love, which is the same yesterday, today and forever. Help me see today in this context, your character, the ultimate gift on the journey of provision in Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness. Hesed commitment will never run out in our God. Teach me to appreciate each day as a gift from you, for you, in this perspective.
Use each day well by investing everything in Him.
2) A daily discipline to rejoice in THE LORD, grow our delight in Him and our understanding of how great his love is for us.
Our chief purpose and satisfaction for each day, both here and in eternity, will not change. We are made to be satisfied in Christ. Satisfaction in Him is never exhausted. When we start to grasp this and grow in this, we stop grasping for false (short-term) satisfactions to get us through each day in a broken world. It is a counter-cultural discipline to break with busyness and enjoy His smile on our lives, but it is the gift of life itself. This is foundational for each day and life itself. How we start each day is critical. Who forms our foundational perspective?
Our world does not know this joy. Those who present the news, podcasts and conversation where we live may not know this joy; they present a different proposal, but it is a false hope. How imperative it is to be in His presence, delighting in Him. All of life takes on an entirely different dimension. When we go to the bank of his resources, character, love, and actions, utter faithfulness to us, life is altogether good. We need to taste and see... then feast.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
3) To thank him for every day, regardless of circumstances
We're reminded again that the New Testament assumes life will be hard for those who follow Christ, serve His church, and live for His mission. It is nothing other than a human construct to lie and give false hope otherwise. The Apostle Paul knew this, yet throughout his daily realities, there is an ongoing thread, a constant reminder...that GOD IS AT WORK. We see it in the strained situation of the church in Romans 13- 15. See how fixed Paul's eyes are in Christ as he looks to the church and its struggles (cultural, missional and spiritual) through the eyes of Christ.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
He is utterly convinced that circumstances do not change the effective ability of Christ's work in us to make us more like him. In actual fact, the harder the circumstances, the more confident Paul is as he listens to the Spirit. In the midst of house arrest, he says...
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
So in the midst of an increasingly tumultuous world, let's fix our eyes on Christ, the instigator, source, joy, purpose and perfector of our faith. As others look to achieve a legacy which is self-centred and vacuous, may our legacy be that we became more like him and others did through our lives.
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