Reflection for the upcoming year

31. December, 2011Latest Articles17 comments

As I am sitting here at my home finishing up my “New Year’s Day” message for the church, God is stirring something new in my spirit. Psalm 96:1 tells us to, “Sing unto the Lord a new song…” God is reminding me that we need to spend time with Him for us to receive that “new song”. The psalmist goes on to say in verse 8 that we need to, “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts.” I am asking a question, “What is my offering?”

I am coming to know that my offering can be different at different times of my life. Right now, I am preparing to enter into the New Year with a multiple day fast. Over the past year, I am reflecting on the areas where I have drawn closer to God and also the areas where I feel that I have been pulling away. I feel that in some ways, I have lost some of my passion. I must ask, “But why?” I love God with my whole heart, mind, soul and strength. Isn’t that enough? Is God asking more? I believe He is.

Joshua made it clear in Joshua 24:15 that he was going to serve the Lord no matter what others chose. It was not the most popular decision at that time but he had to make up his mind that nothing and no one would pull him away for Jehovah, his God. Joshua was able to say that because of what he said in verse 14. He said, now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods of your fathers… “

There are times when I have my mind made up and I do not want anyone to try and change it (not even God). I think that I know what is right. Many of the Israelites were in that same boat. They thought they were serving Jehovah but in fact, they were serving the gods of their fathers. They were doing what they were taught and they thought they were right. Joshua made it clear, just as Elijah did in 1 Kings 21. Elijah said, How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him…” It is interesting how the verse ends. It sates, “But the people answered him not.” Why? Because they thought they were right. They thought they could do what they wanted and no one was going to tell the otherwise. Not even a prophet of God or even God Himself.
Is God giving me that same choice today? Is God giving you the same choice today? I believe the answer is an astounding, “YES”!

So what is my new song for 2012? It is the understanding that I need to make a choice? I am going to put God above everything. Nothing will come between me and my God. Just like Joshua, I am choosing this day that I am going to serve the Lord and Him alone. The new song is learning to say, “No” to interruption and learning to say “Yes” to the Lord changing me every day. I chose today, to start looking into my life and in everything I do as the Psalmist states in verse 8 of Psalm 96. I will bring my offering to Him and give glory to His name. I will come into His courts in worship and bow down before Him. I am going to choose this day (and every day of 2012 and beyond) to serve the Lord.