How are you this new year? Shaken? Discouraged? Hopeful but tired? Lift up your heart with me to our wise and compassionate Companion on this pilgrimage through life.

In four decades as a gospel worker, a long eye-blink of a journey, I’ve experienced the goodness and faithfulness of God. I’ve served in sweet fellowship with choice brothers and sisters around the globe. I’ve seen eyes opened in amazed understanding of God’s truth, and other eyes like glass, unyielding. All along the way, my Lord has helped me mature with loving kindness and surrounded me with favor. Best in some ways have been times of trials, when I have come to know Him better.

That is the best part of the journey — knowing Him. And Jesus is always, only, a single step away. Come, He says, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Come, approach My throne of grace confidently. I have mercy and grace to help in your time of need. Draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you. My nearness is your good. Let go, relax, as a weaned child rests against his mother. Know that I am God. 

Journeying with Him, we press on to know Him better. His decrees are the theme of our song wherever we lodge. We go from strength to strength. Goodness and mercy follow us. What more could we need on this journey?

Travel expenses? 

Paid! According to His riches in glory. 

Protection? 

The Almighty, angels, and armor too.

Training? 

Everything given for life and godliness. 

Activities? 

Good works prepared by God for us to walk in.

Company? 

The Lord Himself, who will never leave or forsake us, and majestic fellow travelers of faith.

Prepared, protected, and provided for, we run with endurance. We keep strict accounts with sin, so nothing hinders our witness, our prayers, our joy. When we fall and repent, He lifts us up to run again. His Spirit whispers words to say, checks to heed, challenges to embrace.

In December we celebrated the journey that changed the world, when Mary and Joseph responded to God’s challenges with obedience. Like Mary, we may ask, “How can it be?” when God sets the miraculous before us — but in trust, offer ourselves as His bondslaves. “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Elizabeth exulted of Mary. Yes, there is blessing in walking by faith in Him. 

By faith, Mary and Joseph despised the shame the Child in her womb had caused them, and journeyed to Bethlehem at an inconvenient time. One day the Child would despise the shame of the Cross for the joy set before Him. No matter the cost, we too choose to journey on, our eyes on Him. He chose us to help change the world too. 

And as the decades pass, full of life and still bearing fruit, with joy we make Him known: He is everything we need, and more.

Time to reflect

Are you weary, burdened, or despairing as you serve Him in difficult times? Come to Jesus for rest. His arms are open wide. All that I have is yours, He says. I will always be with you. And, At harvest time, you will reap.

All that I have is yours. — How have you seen Jesus provide your needs (spiritual, emotional, physical) according to His riches in glory? Make a list and rejoice! If you’re in need of more miracles, take time to reflect on the faithful character of our Father. Tell Him exactly what your needs are, and ask Him to provide. 

I will always be with you. — The Lord is Your Protector, Companion and Guide. Confide your feelings to Him about your present spot in the journey. What do you want to thank Him for? What do you need to trust Him with? What would help you focus more on Him as you travel along? 

At harvest time, you will reap. — Are you weary in doing good? Come to Him. Rest in His delight in you. Thank Him that He is producing fruit for the harvest as you make yourself available to Him. The day is coming when we will adore Him with people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. Take time to worship Him for all He is to you right now.

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If you haven’t discovered life in Christ, don’t hesitate to check it out. Life is too short to miss His love and perfect plan for you. Read About “The Nearness of God” or see Everyperson.com for more information. You can also read my story of coming to faith in Christ in: How My Song Began.