NEW YEAR THOUGHTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20457, 18 January 1941, Page 2

NEW YEAR THOUGHTS

MAKING MOST OF LIFE TRUTH IN PERSPECTIVE FAITH AND CHRISTIANITY As we pass from the Old Year to the New, it is natural for us to call to mind, that times are changing not only with the great world outside us, but with outselves, too. We are getting older. There is no standing still. Life moves us on. Surely it is well for us that we should consider where life’s path is leading, what life is for, and realise that living is a deep responsibility. To live just for the day, for amusement or material profit we can get out of it, is foolish. Life is a sacred trust, and if we persist in regarding it lightly the time may come when We are pulled up sharply and realise an aching sense of failure and unworthiness. Life means something, and we are wasting our time unless, in all sincerity, we try to find out what that deep and profound meaning is.

Sometimes, as we review the path we have travelled, we feel uncomfortable as we think of the mistakes and omissions of the past, the weaknesses and worries; and it is well that this is so, if it spurs us to greater effort to make the most of life and live more worthily in days to come. Sense of Tliankfulhbss

I think, however, that. there is a real need to have with this regret a sense of thankfulness for the blessing we have enjoyed, and above, all for the protection, provision and guidance of God our Father; for only as We understand life, as a stewardship for which we are accountable to Him, as a pilgrimage to a glorious destination, shall we be enabled to see the best and make most of it. In the Eighty-fourth Psalm we have a vivid picture brought before us of a pilgrimage which crowds of God’s people were accustomed to take to Zion, “the city of the great King,” and the Psalmist uses it as an illustration of the road of life we have to travel, with varied experiences on the way—some pleasant and easy, the pilgrim singing with joy of heart; others difficult and dangerous, needing much care and caution, a slow advance.

At one place the road led through a dark ravine which was called the Valley of Baca, “the valley of weeping”—a sombre region dreaded by all who had to pass through it; but there was no avoiding it, if the goal was to be reached.

This reminds us of our life experience, especially as we think of the past year, with its surprises, sadness and sorrow, and as we look forward wondering how many more, such or even greater difficulties we shall meet on the way. There is a “valley ol weeping’’ through which we must all pass, but it is the way to Zion —to triumph—to victory at last. Above all, remember that is only a small part of the route along which we pass. Not Gloomy Journey

Life is not all a gloomy journey, a wilderness. There are many fair prospects and glad experiences. We need a true sense of proportion ana a just estimate of the truth even as we seem to be travelling through this vale of tears. The outstanding thing about the Psalmist’s picture is that God’s people, as they passed through the Valley of Baca, made it a well. They found refreshment, help, healing. Instead of the usual setback and obstacle, it was transformed into a stimulus and inspiration. They knew where God was leading them. They were conscious of His presence; their strength was in God. The steps leading to Zion were part of His way and purpose.

Can we not find help here? Let us not be overcome by the dark, trying experiences of life, but let them minister blessing to us, and through us to others. Let us grapple with the difficulties and make the discouragements opportunities, so that they mould our characters and bring spiritual enrichment. The secret of this transformation is to be found in the well made in the valley. Those who place them confidence in God, who seek His direction, endeavour to translate into daily action the teaching of His Word, do prove themselves to be His people and manifest the true value of religion. A well sunk in the desert is of the utmost value to all Who afterwards travel that way. As we, by our faith and practical Christianity, make things happier and easier for others on our pilgrimage, we shall be making the most of life for us and for them. Paul the Apostle, in his letter to the Corinthians, uses these Words: "Blessed be God, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, Who corpforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” This j.s the greatest joy in life. —Supplied by the Gisborne Ministers’ Association.