With another year behind us, someone aptly wrote: “The New Year lies before you like a spotless tract of snow. Be careful how you tread upon it, for every mark will show.” We don’t know what lies ahead for us, in the upcoming months, insofar as this world is concerned. As 2021 is entered no one knows what will have happened when the end of this year is reached—decisions, new responsibilities, and disappointments perhaps.

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Much can occur in a year’s time, and that in itself, should have a sobering effect upon all of us, and cause us to kneel in prayer to God, asking that we might have a happy and contented year ahead. Not by shielding us from all sorrow and pain, but by strengthening us to bear it if it comes. Not by making our path easy, but by making us sturdy enough to tread any path. Not by taking hardships from us, but by taking all cowardice and fears from our hearts when in the midst of hardships. Not by granting us unbroken sunshine, but by keeping our face bright even in the storm clouds and shadows. Not by making our life always pleasant, but by showing us where we are needed the most, and by making us zealous to be there, and to help. Not by keeping us from battle, but making us more than conquers through Christ!

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As this New Year begins, we need to be reminded that we are one year closer to the day of our death, or to the day the Lord returns. That day, when we all will stand before Him in judgment (2 Cor. 5: 10). That day, when He will either say: Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25: 34), or “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25: 41).

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Since we are one year closer to that day, when our final destiny will be forever determined, don’t you think we ought to give serious thought about our soul? Think on these things.

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Dennis Abernathy