Another year is coming to the end of the road as we approach 31st December. For some of us, 2022 is a year of loss of loved ones while for others, 2022 is a year of welcoming additional new family members. Whatever it may be, our physical lives would definitely arrive at the end of the road one day (Romans 6:23). This is a solemn fact that we know of but often place it at the back of our heads. Nevertheless, in the midst of this, we can have hope because the LORD said so and made it so by revealing His Righteousness in the Son He gave to all who believes – Jesus Christ as prophesied in the Bible, His Holy Word to all of us (John 3:16).
As a fellow human being, I learned from the Bible that we are dead in our transgressions against GOD (Ephesians 2:1), Who is the Holy One and Righteousness Judge who punishes sin. The Judgment Day awaits (Revelation 11:18). As a dead soul, I can never be able to save myself at all. There can never a Rest In Peace (R.I.P.) for me because the Bible is showing to its readers that I would be burning in the hell of fire if I do not put on the Righteousness provided by Christ (Revelations 21:8). a close walk with my LORD in 2023 and beyond.
R for Recalcitrant
vs. Redeemed
Throughout this year, I found myself being recalcitrant in my living for GOD and often willfully sinned against Him. Now as I think back over my life in 2022, I am convinced more than ever that I am not capable of living the Christian life based on my own willpower and effort. I need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in order to choose the right way of living the life before my LORD. That is to be living like a redeemed soul always. I need to know that I absolutely have no standing before GOD without Christ. Therefore, to be living like a redeemed soul requires me to pray unceasingly (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
I for Ironical
vs. Instructed
In 2022, I struggled with sins and displeased GOD numerous times. It is ironic because I tend to choose the things that I do not want to do over the things that I should do (Romans 7:21-23). Is it because I have forgotten about GOD? If that is the case, how can I remember GOD's goodness towards me so that I may not sin against Him? The Bible says to hide His Word in my heart (Psalm 119:11). Instead of letting my life be ironic, I am actually instructed by GOD through His Word to live rightly (Micah 6:8). The action to undertake will be to commit His Word to my long-term memory and to practise His Word in my life daily. Walking in tune with His Spirit in close fellowship and praying along the way can help me to walk down the right path.
P for Pitiful
vs. Peaceful
When I knew how I should be living in 2022 and yet, I found myself living in the condemned manner described in the Bible, it really is a pitiful sight. I am such a wreck. The good news is there is hope because the LORD in His Graciousness offers me a peaceful way of life by instructing me through His Holy Spirit not to be anxious in anything but in everything by prayer and petition, present my requests to Him and He will allow the Peace of GOD that transcends all understanding to guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). Thus, I can choose to be peaceful instead of pitiful by staying in conversations with my LORD.
Being a believer is a privilege because I can truly rest in peace with the LORD. I am right before Him (Zechariah 3:1-6) not because of what I had done (Isaiah 64:6) but because of what Christ has done for my soul (Romans 5:8). Regeneration progresses me to Justification and my responsibility now is to work in tandem with the Holy Spirit for the Sanctification process (Philippians 2:12-13). It does not mean a smooth sailing life ahead but it does mean that I would be experiencing the abundant life that Jesus had talked about in John 10:10. As I begin at the start of a new road in 2023, I want to be assured by the Holy Spirit that I am redeemed, instructed for a true peaceful faith journey in the LORD.
Have a blessed new year 2023. GOD Bless.
