The New Year

"Forgetting the things which are behind." Phil. 3:13

"Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee." Deut. 8:2

Forgetting ills behind me, the sorrows past and gone,
Forgetting all my wanderings, too sad to swell upon,
Remembering God's great goodness, in times of stress and strain,
Remembering His restorings, I praise my God again.

We stand together at the gateway of another year. It may be a year of many blessed experiences. Follow Him who goes before - the One who went before His people of old - a guiding light, a constant protection, an unfailing Friend and Counselor, an almighty Saviour.

When shadows deepen, and fear rides on the moaning wind; when sorrow comes, and we wander in the misty vale of grief; when joy beckons, and our way is sunlit - "remember" His past leading and know that all is well. When spectres rise hauntingly from the past, when old heartaches and sorrows seem to weigh us down and blot out the sunshine forget "those things which are behind" and reach forward to the joys before us. Paul says, "I press toward the mark" - here is the urgency, and nothing must be allowed to hamper the runner's progress.

We make our own hindrances many times - our Master has done all He can to free us from every weight, giving us forgiveness for the past, help in the present, and assurance for the future. So, dear pilgrim, as we face the coming days of a new year, knowing that each one brings our Master's return nearer, let us "lay aside every weight . . . and press toward the mark," with singleness of heart "looking unto Jesus."

Forgetting all my doubtings, which dimmed faith's vision bright,
Forgetting all the earth-clouds, the darkness, gloom and night,
Remembering God's bright sunshine, and radiance of His face,
Remembering His long patience, I praise my God for grace.

Forgetting all unkindness which friends and foes have shown,
Forgetting and forgiving the wrongs that I have known,
Remembering God provided, unsought, each faithful friend,
Remembering love's devotion, I'll praise Him to the end.

Forgetting my repinings when disappointments come,
Forgetting all the murmurings, which filled my soul with shame,
Remembering God was ever true to His Holy Word,
Remembering He was faithful, I praise my sovereign Lord.

A.G.

Compiled by Mrs. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Genesis 4-7
Old and New Testaments Together: Genesis 4-6 & Matthew 2
Historical: Genesis 4-7
Chronological: Genesis 4-7
Blended: Genesis 4-6 & Romans 2

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible