Every so often I get alone with God and just reflect on what He has done in my life. During these special times of reflection and thanksgiving, I am always reminded that there have been many ups and many downs. There have been seasons of remarkable growth and periods of unmistakable despair. Yet through every joy and every sorrow, God has not moved. He has remained faithful.
To be honest, I have had it pretty good. Way better than I deserve. The Lord has given me a wonderful family, an amazing church to shepherd, and a huge stable of great friends. When I think about it, I have had the joy and privilege of experiencing more than most. But time sure does fly by.
Later this year I will celebrate my 25th year in pastoral ministry. Twenty-five years is a long time. But when you add those 25 years of full-time Christian ministry to the nearly 12 years that I spent serving as an administrator in state government, it is getting eerily close to the “Big 4-0” since I graduated from high school.
So, I have learned a lot. And, as I have repeated many times in recent years, there is not much in life and ministry that I haven’t already experienced. Until this past year, that is.
The year 2020 began with a reminder that we are living in one of the most polarizing political environments in American history, but when a worldwide pandemic is added to the mix, things can get interesting.
So, as an exercise in rumination, I began to jot down some of the many lessons that I/we have learned in the past year or so. The list below is just a start. But it’s really been so reassuring to see God’s sovereign hand in all that we’ve experienced” (Psalm 103:19).
Lesson #1
It is wise to just take it one day at a time, making the most of the experiences and opportunities that each day brings. Every day is a gift from God, and we are to seize each day for Him.
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
“Be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Lesson #2
True contentment cannot be found in our ever-changing circumstances, but in Christ alone. We can get through anything with the strength that Christ supplies.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
Lesson #3
We can never let anyone or anything rob of us of our joy.
John MacArthur opines. “Christian joy is not a giddy, superficial happiness that can be devastated by illness, economic difficulties, broken relationships, or the countless other vicissitudes and disappointments of life. Instead, it flows from the deep, unshakable confidence that God is eternally in control of every aspect of life for the good of His beloved children – a confidence rooted in the knowledge of His Word. God’s character, the saving work of Christ, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, divine providence, spiritual blessings, the promise of future glory, answered prayer and Christian fellowship all cause the believer to rejoice.”
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Lesson #4
Engagement with the church is absolutely essential and plays such a vital role in the spiritual health and well-being of every true Christian. Church is never “canceled.” No, the church (Gr. ekklesia) is not an event. No matter the circumstance, the church must always function as God intends.
This past year served as a much-needed reminder of the value and importance of the church gathered. As D. L. Moody once said, “Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.”
“And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18)
Lesson #5
Fear can be paralyzing. It is one of the chief enemies of the Christian. Those who live in fear cannot live effectively for Christ. Fear and trust are incongruous.
“And the Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Well, there have been many important lessons that I/we have learned in this past year and we are just getting started in enumerating them. As we continue to reflect upon the events of this past year, I am reminded of a short quip by John Piper. He once said, “It is better to lose your life than to waste it.” Translation: “Don’t Waste Your Life!” To God be the Glory!