“They go from strength to strength.” –Psalm 84:7

There are various renderings of these words, but all of them contain the idea of progress. “They go from strength to strength.” That is, they grow stronger and stronger. Usually, if we are walking we go from strength to weakness; we start fresh and in good order for our journey, but by and by the road is rough, and the sun is hot; so we sit down by the wayside and then resume our weary way. But the Christian pilgrim, having obtained fresh supplies of grace is as vigorous after years of weary travel and struggle as when he first set out….But sadly, it must be confessed it is often otherwise…Fearful spirits sit down and trouble themselves about the future. “Unfortunately,” they say, “we go from affliction to affliction.” Very true, O you of little faith; but you go from strength to strength also. You will never find a bundle of affliction that does not have in it somewhere sufficient grace.

Unlike the Christian pilgrim described in Spurgeon’s text, I am weary of the trials my family experienced this past year. I have begun to focus on my afflictions rather then point out God’s graces in my life. How easy it is to forget, even in the happiest season of our Savior’s birth, the wondrous gift we’ve been given. My gaze is continually drawn to the uncertainties tomorrow brings. Doubt sinks in and makes it harder to trust God. But my troubles today will be but a whisper in the days to come. The Lord keeps reminding me that He is good even in hard times. God has blessed me in so many ways. I have a wonderful job and I love my co-workers. I have a loving family, a peaceful home, and dear friends. Rather than trouble myself about the future I pray that this coming New Year I will go from strength to strength. I will only grow weaker if I continue to rely on myself alone. Strength can only be found in supplies of grace provided by our merciful Savior. His grace is sufficient and He is all I’ll ever need. I hope to be refreshed and in good order for this coming New Year.

Quote of the Month

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

And thought how as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men
I can hear them

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on Earth” I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor does He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on Earth, good will to men."
~I Heard The Bells