Job 23:10 - EYES FORWARD IN 2024.
Job 23:10 (NLT) But he knows where I am
going. And when he tests me, I will come out as
pure as gold.
COMMENTARY PEARL
One of the top New Years resolutions
that people make every year, no matter what year
it is, is to lose weight. Other resolutions
include getting in better shape physically, getting
more organized, reading more good books, and
spending more time with family and friends.
But how about resolving to have a
stronger spiritual commitment? Yes, we need goals. We
need objectives. We need things to aim for in
life. But we also need to be growing as Christians
and deepening our walk with the Lord.
Here are the words of the apostle Paul
after he had walked with God for years: No,
dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved
it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting
the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
I press on to reach the end of the race and
receive the heavenly prize for which God, through
Christ Jesus, is calling us (Philippians 3:13-14
NLT).
We must realize that we have a long way
to go spiritually. We are but works in
progress, and we have so far to go. If the apostle
Paul saw that about himself, then certainly we
need to see that about ourselves, because Paul
truly was a man of God.
We also must realize that we cannot live
in the past. We cannot be controlled by past
mistakes or live in past victories. If you messed up
last year, learn from it and dont do it again.
Make changes in your behavior, in your habits,
and in your choices that will prevent you from
going down that road again.
At the same time, dont live in past
victories. If God did something wonderful in your life
last year, be thankful for that. But remember
that a new year is before you with many new
opportunities. Therefore, press on toward what God has for
you.
Runners recognize there is pain involved
in running a race, especially if youre
running a marathon. You start off with a burst of
energy, then you get a bit numb, then it becomes
painful, and after a while, it becomes difficult to
put one foot in front of the other.
This is also true of the Christian life.
Its a walk of faith. Its a battle. There are
challenges, difficulties, and obstacles that we will
face. Yet Paul was saying, Im straining to
move forward.
Paul wasnt addressing his words to a
group of spiritually elite Christians. They are
given for every follower of Jesus Christ. God
calls every one of us to press on.
Maybe you went through something
difficult last year. Or, maybe you will go through
something difficult in the coming year. But know this:
Jesus will be with you through it.
He said, And be sure of this: I am
with you always, even to the end of the age
(Matthew 28:20 NLT). He also has promised, I will
never fail you. I will never abandon you
(Hebrews 13:5 NLT). You are not running this race
alone. [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries;
https://www.harvestdaily.com]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 32:7 - In Tune With The Master.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220101-1031.html
Philippians 3:13, 14 - JESUS - The Clear
Objective!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230824-1046.html
Philippians 4:8 - Thoughts for the New Year.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210101-1046.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/