2022 … do you know?

I’m slowly reading the bible in a year (although I’m currently in year two), and am working through the book of Isaiah. I find the story of Hezekiah interesting. He was dying, he cried out to God, God heard his prayer and granted him 15 more years of life, then he, Hezekiah, got cocky and bragged about all his riches and treasures to the Babylonians, and after he died, the Babylonians came and stole everything, including his children. 

But that’s not what caught my attention. It was the granting of 15 more years and the promise that during that 15 years, Hezekiah, his family and his city would be safe from the king of Assyria.

Imagine you are Hezekiah. You have been granted 15 more years of life. You know for sure, because God said so, that your life, your family and your community will be safe during that time. What would you do with those 15 years? Do you know? Do you have a plan? Have you discussed it with the Lord? Is this your plan or His plan? Do you know?

I am pondering these questions today. My life took a devastating turn four years ago, and I’m still not sure where the path I’m on is leading. But one thing I know for sure. Jesus walks beside me.

He renews my strength every day [Isaiah 40:31 NKJV  But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.]

He lights my path so that my next footstep is sure and safe [Psalm 119:105  NKJV Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.] Imagine walking through a field of mud and every time you put your foot down, the mud firms under your foot and you don’t sink into it, and you make it safely across to the other side.

He gives me rest [Psalm 116:7 NKJV Return to your rest, o my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.] [John 14:27 NKJV  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.] emphasis mine. [Matthew 11:28 NKJV Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.]

He gives me peaceful sleep [Proverbs 3:24 NKJV  When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.][1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.]

He keeps me safe and delivers me [Psalm 91: 1-2; 15 NKJV He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. … He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver and honour him.]

He has promised me a long and satisfying life [Psalm 91:16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation].

These scriptures (including Psalm 23 which carried my heart through a period of loss and darkness) assure me that Jesus loves me. And He loves you. The scriptures are even more important today in this time of uncertainty in the world. We can be certain that whatever happens, the Lord has our backs. All we have to do is love Him and love one another. [Luke 10:27 NKJV … ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.”]

Determine today to love God in His fullness, majesty and glory with every fibre of your being, and love each other … even the unlovely. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 NKJV “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” [emphasis mine].