Old Hope – New Year

“I heard an old old story, how a savior came from Glory. ” Taken from the Eugene Monroe Bartlett, Sr. Hymn, those timeless words in one configuration or another are cast throughout the 66 books of the Bible.

This old story, as it were, still brings a freshness to this believer’s soul. No matter how many times I hear the Gospel story it kindles the old fire in my heart. A fire that was put there by the God that created everything long ago.

A new year will surely being a new set of trials but for the Christian that has been weathered by many storms it’s just another time of testing by the one who created us. Many times, the Bible references the refining of gold or other precious metals in relation to the Christian being tested through trials and or tribulations. Here is one that I was recently studying.

1 Peter 1: 6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

So we know trials are going to come at some point in our walk. If you are a new Christian and have been fortunate enough to not have gone through any yet, you had better gird up your loins , or get ready. They will be coming. And the only way any of us can attempt to be prepared for these tests is by prayer and reading the divinely inspired words of our almighty God.

This reading can’t be a cursory glance at a few verses every now and again. You need to meditate on the Word. Daily. This type of meditation is not at all like the eastern mystics that tell you to clear your mind of everything. This meditating on God’s word starts with prayer and then and immersing yourself in the the words of our Lord. Reading re-reading and then reading again. Memorizing the Word is imperative too. When we have His word on our minds and hidden in our hearts we will be better able to withstand any trial we might go through.

So in this new year remember the old words. Those divinely inspired words written long ago are the lifeblood to every Christian. Strive to diligently study your bible and be better prepared for the refining fires that will prove your faith.