A fearless new year
With a new year, there is uncertainty on how the new year will go. Will I achieve my new year’s resolutions? Will I be able to achieve my long term career/relationship/personal goals? Uncertainty causes discomfort… but we learn of four things in Hebrews 13:5-6 to help us live comfortably in uncertainty.
The contentment of His presence (verse 5a)
Pastor Febby defined contentment as not getting what you want, but wanting what you already have. Contentment makes a poor man rich (as referenced in the famous Christian song, ‘Give Thanks’). For God is the creator of the world; why shouldn’t we be content with just Christ?
The companionship of His presence (verse 5b)
Hebrews 13:5 says “I will never leave you, nor forsake you”, a reference to Deuteronomy 31:6. The words leave and forsake mean to never abandon and that’s what God promises; never to abandon us as orphans. Psalm 116:8 speaks of God’s deliverance from death, tears and stumbling; that is God’s promise to us through His presence.
The confidence of His promise (verse 5c)
We can be confident in all the promises that God makes. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Yet, time and time again (as seen historically through Biblical stories), our confidence in God and His promises is shaken. We forget and undermine God’s capacity. But instead, we must trust and ask for more spiritual capacity, being confident in His promises.
The comfort of His presence (verse 6)
Hebrews 13:6 uses the word “boldly” when referring to declaring the Lord as our helper. This might seem an odd word choice considering the brutality and oppression they faced for being a Christian, but the recipients of the Letter of Hebrews were encouraged by Paul’s letter. It only encouraged them further in the spiritual walks and they continued to hunger for His presence. How can we be like this? We must be in His presence to have a continued hunger for it.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You that despite life’s uncertainties, we would have confidence in Your presence and Your promises. I pray that I will boldly proclaim You as my helper, fearing not anything in this world.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,
Amen