THE UNTROD PRESENT

We begin the new year trek down this untrod present. The past is history! We have some losses, some gains, some failures, some successes. Since we can't go back, we simply learn by our mistakes and use them as danger signs to be avoided. However, the fear of rejection and failure has a tendency to unnerve us as we begin this new journey. It's that old accuser laying in wait to debilitate any impulse of self-worth. So we tend to cover it up with right words, smiles, nervous laughter, but avoid its exposure to others. That cloak prevents us from dealing with fear in ourselves, our children, our mates. But when we can honestly admit the fear, then the deepest level of need begins to be met.

God's call is for us to "cast all our care upon Him for He cares for us" (I Pet.5:7). Yet our weaknesses and self-will often keep us from accepting His call. Are you seeking man's approval or God's? Do efforts to achieve in school lead to intellectual pride? Does the fear of rejection silence us? Do our present economic failures threaten our retirement and, therefore, steal our joy? Is growing world tension robbing us of inner peace? These questions become daunting.

The real question for this new year is our focus! Jesus made it clear in John 10:4, "when He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice." Christ is the God of history and the God of prophecy. He is the Alpha and Omega! Since we do not know what lies before us, we must simply "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb.12:1-2) and keep focused on Him. King David faced similar obstacles we face today. The Psalms are filled with his struggles, fears, frustrations and uncertainties. In Psalm 118:6 he stated, "the Lord is on my side; I will not fear what man can do." He tapped his lifeline. Like the water spider who lives in an air bubble, and returns to the surface for more air to fill the bubble, David breathed God's strength through prayer. When sad, fearful, discouraged or mocked, David prayed. Each time God's power was released on his behalf.

We too, can find strength along the uncharted path before us as we avail ourselves of His infinite grace through prayer. "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not of ourselves" (2 Cor.4:7). We need to think less of the things surrounding us and more of the power of Christ in us.

What are our priorities for this new year? Is our perspective on the visible, material, created things that are subject to decay? Never forget, what we fear most will control us! Success is not judged by what we start, how big are our endeavors, or how noble our goals, but how committed we are to Jesus Christ. Faithfulness to His Word is key in fulfilling His purpose for our lives.

Our world desperately needs Christ! Our purpose must be to reach His world one person at a time. This could be the year of His return! Faithfulness will bring its reward. That's what I want to be this new year. Will you join me? God's unconditional promise is our guarantee: "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Prov.3:5-6).