Moving On

It is inevitable that as we leave 2022 we look back over all the events of the past year and reflect on what has happened. There were all the celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen only to be followed a few weeks later by her death and all the change which that brought about.  We mourn greatly her passing but remember with immense gratitude her commitment to God and Her service to our country.

But, we face a New Year, and as usual, we have no idea what will happen.  There are those who will speculate about the future or will hark back to the past.  The apostle Paul wrote, “Forgetting those things which are past I press on towards the mark”… (Phil 3:13)

We cannot alter what has already happened.  History cannot be changed.  Some things are best forgotten.  Some things stand as lessons we can learn.   

A central belief of our faith is that God is in control.  He is working His purposes out (Is 46:11) He loves every one of us and will never leave us or forsake us whatever 2023 has in store.

A favourite hymn of my father, and one which was always sung on Good Friday says:-

How good is the God we adore, our faithful, unchangeable friend: His love is as great as His power and knows neither measure nor end.                                                                                                                                                          ‘Tis Jesus the First and the Last; His spirit will guide us safe home; We’ll praise him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that’s to come (Joseph Hart).

A blessed New Year to everyone!

MC