Photo: Daniel Hering / Unsplash
I don’t really set new years resolutions for myself. However, over the past few weeks an idea has been forming that has turned itself into a prayer I’m praying for myself in 2024, which others might also find helpful.
I’ve been reflecting on how much of 2023 (for me at least – but I don’t think I’m alone!) was characterised by fear and anger. Anger (and perhaps despair) at how our way of life is changing in so many ways, often apparently in the negative; anger at developments in the major denominations, including the Church of England of which I am a part; anger at things done to me and others I care for. And then fear: Fear of possible future outcomes in all those contexts and others as well.
These responses are understandable and in some ways appropriate. But I have come to see that they are not in themselves helpful to my own spiritual condition; nor will they enable me to play a role in forging a fruitful way forward as a member of God’s church and my local community and nation.
The Bible consistently warns us against both reactions. The Lord Jesus tells us that anger is tantamount to murder (Matthew 5:21-22). And the phrases ‘Do not be afraid’ or ‘Do not fear’ are used many times in the Bible, as a quick internet search will reveal.
I’ve realised that instead of defaulting to anger and fear, I need to ask God to help me to trust and to love.
Learning to trust
I need to learn to trust God in all circumstances, whatever each day may hold. To trust that he is still on his throne, working for the good of those who love him and for his glory. I may not understand whatever the latest development is; I may not like it; I may not see how it advances his good purposes. But he consistently tells me in the Bible that it is so. (See, for example, Psalm 2, Psalm 115:3, Psalm 139:16, Isaiah 43:2, Romans 8:28-39). Therefore I can trust him. This is not easy; it is a gift of his grace, in the power of his Holy Spirit. It requires constant re-orientation around his Word and his promises. It comes through prayer and meditation. But it is possible; and it is essential.
With this in mind I might take time to meditate on the story of Jesus with the disciples in the boat in the storm (and Peter walking on the water – Matthew 8:23-27; 14:22-32).
Learning to love
Second, I need to learn to love. In answer to the question “Which is the greatest commandment?” Jesus famously replied:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
Matthew 22:37-40
We are called to love God; to love our neighbour. Elsewhere Jesus commands us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-47) – and he modelled that for us as he hung on the cross, by praying for those who had crucified him (Luke 23:34). So I am to love everyone as I have opportunity and need, in the appropriate way. Again, this is a gift of God’s grace. I know I will fail regularly, and will need to come back to the cross for forgiveness daily; but it is a command – and it is for my good and for the good of those I encounter.
With this in mind, I might choose to take time to meditate on the story Jesus tells about the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37); or Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).
Prayer for the new year
So here is my prayer for the new year:
Lord Jesus, often I don’t understand what is happening; I can be bewildered and respond with anger and fear. Please forgive me. Thank you for your promise that all things are in your hands, and for your loving command to love those I encounter. Please may my life be increasingly characterised by trust and love in 2024. Amen.
January 2024
Imperfect Pastor 
Thanks, Steve. I empathise.
Paul Woodbridge
LikeLike
Karl Marx with a clear political objective to achieve revolution said: “Religion is the opiate of the masses.” Half truths are often used to achieve political ends. However, is there not a true truth behind the half truth? The question I would raise, therefore is, when do we use “faith” as an opiate to prevent us asking the hard questions related to our sufferings, confusion or misunderstandings? Asking why, can be both an act of faith or unbelief. The background attitude will distinguish between these two. If we are keen to be true disciples, we will ask why because we believe in a good God who says in Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Is it faith to continue in the dark, not getting to the bottom of problems, remaining confused and simply saying we will trust God? Surely, it is faith that requires the questioning heart to pursue this line so that we will be true sheep who hear his voice. After all, are we not supposed to have soft responsive hearts so that he can convict us of our sin for we know for certain that we have a sufficient advocate, which means that there is no condemnation as we read in Rom 8. We truly want to hear the voice of God and the leading of his Spirit as it says in Ps 95:7, Heb 3:15 and Heb 4:7.
Ps 95:7 ¶ For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: Heb 3:7 ¶ Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice,
Heb 3:15 while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
Heb 4:7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.”
So my question about this prayer is, “is this a prayer of faith that really is trusting God when he wants us to hold on to Him because he wants us to enjoy an intimacy with Himself because there is no doubt about His love demonstrated for us through His work on the cross or is it an anaesthetizing faith that will keep us in the dark and let the devil have a measure of victory?”
LikeLike
Thanks Don, this is a really important thing to clarify. I’m not that what I’m saying is inconsistent with this. The apostle Paul encouraged us to cultivate faith, hope and love; and yet he was certainly a man of action at the same time!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for this Steve. Events and their ongoing consequences can dominate one’s thinking and responses, in anger or fear, far too much. Thank you for reminding me again of my need to rely entirely on my Father in Heaven, his wonderful grace and the in dwelling of his Holy Spirit in my life and in my prayers.
LikeLiked by 1 person