I love this time of the year, when life comes full circle as the old touches the new, in what I call the bookends of time. The truth is that it is more like a rotating door, as this transition from one to the other is hardly perceptible, for the new year is identical to the old when it comes to seasons and times. Because the framework remains the same, the years tend to morph into one long train ride for older people, only with different scenery. Children grow up, and parents grow old. Jobs come and go. Families expand and contract.
As we grow older, we realize that the Bible is right, for what has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again, for there truly is nothing new under the sun. Yet, I love the anticipation that comes with every new year, and after all these many summers, I still consider it a gift to be opened, a mystery to be solved, an opportunity to be grasped, a challenge to be met.
Naturally, I am not one to linger long and reminisce about the good old days. Instead, I tend to rummage through the old, searching for treasures only, for most must be discarded if we want to embrace the gifts awaiting us and fully engage in the opportunities coming our way. These lessons from the past can make us laugh or cry, for life is about both. While God reminded the Israelites once a year to eat bitter herbs and remember the hardships of Egypt, He simultaneously challenged them to look at the future with anticipation. Then it was for the Messiah to come; now it is for the Messiah to return.
It is this faithful waiting that He expects from His children, for the time of His Son’s return remains with the Father. Much depends on this waiting, as Jesus reminded us in the parable of the ten virgins, for the five who lacked oil in their lamps missed their bridegroom. Among the thousands of reasons I stay in God’s word, this one comes to mind today. But there are many other reasons, too, for it is more than a guidebook as the Guide Himself that draws me to the pages of this living, breathing book He inhabits.
With Christ thus by my side, His words steering my heart and anchoring my thoughts, I tackle the unknown – a little less intimidated by all the what-ifs of the enemy constantly trying to derail me.
In 2020 I did a chronological Bible reading plan: http://static.esvmedia.org/assets/pdfs/rp.chronological.pdf.
In 2021 I read through the New Testament only: https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/navigators-5x5x5-new-testament-bible-reading-plan.pdf.
This year I am attempting the Navigators Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan: https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DJ-Book-at-a-Time-Bible-reading-plan.pdf.
You are welcome to join me, for much of our success in life lies wrapped up in accountability. Regardless of which Bible Reading Plan you choose, it is my prayer that you will grow in grace and truth and find great joy and fulfilment as you pursue Kingdom purposes in 2022.
