2021 and 2022

Well, 2021 is “in the books,” and I am not sad to see it go.  Oh, I have enjoyed a few of its days, but have endured more than I enjoyed.  It is interesting that I cannot change anything about 2021 because it is now history.  I can learn from its errors and do better in 2022, but I cannot change anything about 2021.  Paul said in Philippians 3:13&14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  2022 is bright with all of its opportunities.  But it should be all about Jesus!  We must “press on”.  We must push forward.  The mistakes of 2021 are behind us, and the opportunities of 2022 are before us.  Let’s do this … with God’s help!

A Clear Path

When I was a kid, I like to play in the woods behind our house.  Spring and fall were great, but summer days were delicious because they lasted all day long.  I never went inside unless I had to … or my mother called me in.  I would disappear just after breakfast and stay out past sunset when it got too dark to see.  Lunch was a tomato or cucumber from the garden.  We had trails in the woods that were clearly visible.  The Cliff Trail and the Ironwood Tree Trail were named for obvious reasons.  I’m not sure who or what traveled the trails to keep them stamped down, but they were very clear.  I never got lost following those trails.  David asked the dear Lord in Psalm 27:11, “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.”  A clear path is a safe place; but off the clear path is the unknown.  Hey, if you follow God’s clear path, you will be safe from your enemies.  Just like Christian in “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, we are on God’s clear path hiking to the Celestial City.  Follow the dear Lord and you can’t go wrong.  He will take you on the clear path and you will make it safely to your final destination.

Your Source of Happiness

Where do you find pleasure?  Where do you find happiness?  Is it throwing a perfect pitch?  Is it completing a long pass?  Is it hitting a little dimpled ball into the cup?  Is it kicking the winning goal?  Is it running for a touchdown?  Solomon said in Proverbs 15:13&16, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.”  Joy comes from the “fear” of the Lord.  This fear is not being afraid of God; this fear means to respect and obey the dear Lord.  And if you fear the Lord, you will have joy beyond any pleasure that this world has to offer!  And you will be happy forever and forever.  And that’s real happiness.