In a few hours the clock will change from 11:59 PM to 12:00 AM and it will be Monday, January 1, 2024. The year of 2023 will be completed, and a new year will commence.
Yet, what have you learned in this past year? What has the LORD talk you through the reading of His Word, the Bible? What have you learned through trials, sorrows, sicknesses, deaths along with the joys, victories, and celebrations?
Regardless if you “stuck” to your New Years Resolutions, you are a different person today than you were on December 31, 2022. The very experiences you had in your life have shaped you. The question is how have they shaped you? Those hard times and joyful times have changed you and have changed me. The words we read in the Bible this year shaped our walk, our talk, and our actions.
As we close out this year and enter a new year, take a few moments to reflect on what God has taught you in 2023 and ask Him to prepare you for what He has in store for you in 2024. We have no idea what the future will hold. We have no idea if we will see New Years Eve 2024 as it goes in 2025, God does. How will you respond?
I was thinking of the poem by C.T. Studd entitled “Only One Life.” It is a reminder that we only have this one life. As James would write, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14b). Let 2024 be a year where you grow closer to Christ through His Word (reading, memorizing, meditating, praying, sharing, and living it) and being a testimony to those around us. Giving the good news of Jesus Christ. We only have this one life, use it for God.
Only One Life
Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.