Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
On this the last day of 2017, my thoughts have turned to the New Year, 2018. The news channels exhort us to set “New Year Resolutions”, usually to eat and drink less and exercise more. The column writers and so called experts try and predict the future and tell us what will happen in 2018, both good and bad things, but mostly bad. So if I want encouragement for next year, I won’t find it in the papers! Far better for me to read the “Good News” contained in God’s Holy Book.
But in the well-worn and popular text above God made a breath-taking statement – He knows all about my future, and it is Good News! He is going to see me prosper. I have a hope and a future. And that applies also to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Far better to end this year on that note, than dwelling on gloomy predictions of Brexit, squabbling politicians, global insecurities, and so on.
But what about “New Year Resolutions”? If there is Someone who has set out plans for me, I need to take notice. Who is this Person? I probably know more about Him, than know Him personally. So that’s my goal for 2018 – as the first line from the song “Simple Gospel” says’ “I want to know You, Lord, like I know a friend.” How will I do that? By spending more time with Him – not rocket science is it?
Being a Pilgrim 