As we enter 2024, I find myself looking back on 2023. It seemed to be a difficult time for many, and at least for me, reminding myself of some old truths has helped me greatly in having the strength to keep moving forward and to have a positive outlook for 2024.
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Many people have had incredible afflictions this year. I am reminded of Psalm 23 and the valley of the shadow of death. It seems that many of us have been walking this path together whether we know it or not. Therein lies our first reminder, that we are not alone. Many people have suffered greatly this year through various trials. Finances, disease, marital issues, deaths, etc., have all afflicted many friends this year, myself included. I find myself reflecting on certain parts of the Psalm. First, David says he lacks nothing. Then, the Lord guides David even while he enters the valley. Then David says that he fears no evil, because the Lord is with him even in the valley. We can choose to remain in the fear or choose to trust in God. The Shepherd’s rod and staff (i.e., his nudges and guidance) protect us.
What to remember
There are a few lessons from the stoics that harken back on these scriptures. First, you have no control over anyone or anything but yourself. Once you accept that all things are out of your control except for your relationship with God, and you place your faith in Christ, the fear of the unknown will evaporate.
Then, once you see the things that are in your direct control, you can act on them. First, your relationship with God. We see Job, and while his afflictions mount, he remains faithful. We should aim for that faithfulness. From that extension, we should try to take into our control what we can. Job shows us that our spiritual health is in our hands, and barring external circumstances, our mental, emotional, and physical well-being is also in our control.
What about the things I did not choose?
That is all fine and good, but what about those external circumstances, those things not in our control? David and Job both show us how they handled it. I am sure David did not want to walk through the valley, and Job did not choose to have his physical, emotional, spiritual, marital, and friendship issues. What do they do? Their faith kicks in. David takes comfort in the rod and the staff of his Lord, and Job refuses to curse God.
Others suffered too, including Jesus
Our Lord was not exempt from suffering and trials. The disciples and the saints all through time and even today suffer greatly in afflictions. Reading how Christ suffered like us, and chose to identify with us in our pain brings me some consolation. In John 16:33, Jesus promised us that we would have trouble in this world. Did he say we would maybe have trouble? No, he promised us we would. That means bet on it, its guaranteed. He was included in that. Often times, Christ Himself was overwhelmed. The passing of Lazarus and Gethsemane show us that Christ at times was overwhelmed with grief, sorrow, and pain. Isaiah 53:3 tells us that the Savior would be a man of sorrow. Paul tells us in Hebrews 5:7 that while on Earth, Jesus was praying and making supplications with loud cries and tears to the Father. Loud cries and tears? That does not sound like a man who was always happy and at peace.
Jesus reminds me of David (not surprising since He came from David’s lineage), especially Psalm 77. I encourage you to read the full Psalm. David says that he loudly cries to God, and he is exhausted. His soul refuses to be comforted. He is so afflicted that he cannot speak. He wonders how long God will forget him. How often do we forget that people in the Bible went through the same things that we do? Yes, there were miracles, but the afflictions and pain were incredible. What is the remedy for this? David identifies that the source of his view of God is his grief, and not God himself. David says in verse 10: “Then I said, “It is my grief, That the right hand of the Most High has changed.” God does not change. He is the only constant. Our perspective changes. He is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8), and He has His perfect timing.
We have faith in Christ’s timing
Isaiah 60:22 says, “When the time is right, I the Lord, will make it happen.” We remember the works of the Lord and all His promises. This is the time to put our faith into action when the times are difficult! We meditate on His works and deeds with thankfulness. David then praises the Lord. We offer up our suffering in prayer, identify that our circumstances have shifted and clouded our view, remember God’s faithfulness, and meditate on Him, His works, and His deeds.
2024 may or may not be another year of incredible adversity, but we go into it with the armor of God. If it is another valley, we follow the examples of David, Job, and Jesus and let our faith be refined in the fire, and we choose to come out as gold (Job 23:10). We still give thanks, no matter what! If 2024 ends up being a green pasture and still waters, then we give thanks and prepare for the next adversity! Psalm 23 is intense, but Psalm 24 leaves an encouragement. The one with clean hands and a pure heart can ascend the mountain of the Lord, and they will receive a blessing and vindication from God. Thank Jesus, that because of His blood, we have been washed clean (1 John 1:7-9)!
Happy New Year, everyone!