Stay confident
by Jim Strelan
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So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35).
Read Hebrews 10:32–39
You know, of course, that any moment could be your last, no matter your age. Does that scare you? There’s a saying: ‘Live each day as though it were your last.’ That helps us value and treasure each moment and makes us more determined to live worthwhile lives. I prefer: ‘Live each day as though it were your first.’ The joy of discovery, the newness all around you, the learning you can do, the relationships that can deepen.
The same applies when we think about the end of all things and Christ’s promised return. You can live apprehensively, or you can live with the confidence that God is with you in everything, cares about you and never abandons you.
Look at the attitude the writer of Hebrews encourages in their readers. See how they lived even when terrible times came upon them. Exposed to insult and persecuted, they stood side by side with those who were ill-treated, felt sympathy for the imprisoned and were joyful even when things were taken away from them. So they are encouraged to remain confident in their loving God. They are encouraged not to shrink back because they can be sure of their salvation (a word which, in a general sense, means ‘wellbeing’).
As you get older, you can look at the death notices in the paper, and if your name isn’t there, then be sure you are still alive! This day is a gift. Each day is a gift. God is here; he is with you, so trust in him. He is a good God. This reminds me of a chorus of a song: ‘All my life, you’ve been faithful. All my life, you’ve been so, so good.’
This week’s readings about Christ’s second coming aren’t meant to cause fear. They remind us that God does things in his time. So let him, and enjoy life in the meantime.
Thank you, God, for all your promises. They give me such confidence that all my days are gifts given by you. Help me to find joy in each day, trusting in your goodness. Amen.
Jim is a retired pastor living with his wife Ruth in Deception Bay, Queensland. He spends his retirement making space to add more Lions’ premiership posters to the six (3+3) he already has on his garage wall.
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