The new year is already well under way and while looking ahead at 2014 full of expectancy, curious and hopeful, I also find myself busy with classes and studying for exams as the end of the semester approaches. Funny how a beginning and an end can be so close together.
Last year the verse that accompanied me most was Hebrews 13,14
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”
I felt that truth. Moving between Freiburg and Madrid. Getting to know a new city and growing to love it while knowing that it could not be my home forever. Then visiting my family in Pakistan and returning to Freiburg, aware of the fact that my studies will soon come to an end, as will my stay in this city. No home on earth endures – but I look to the one to come! It doesn’t matter how often I change cities or countries, my home is with God – both here on earth and in the heavenly home that will never pass away!
At the beginning of this year, the verse I have been thinking a lot about is from Psalm 73, 28 (it is this year’s verse for the “Jahreslosung 2014”)
“But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.”
I hope that this might be true for the year 2014. That I always remember that it is GOOD for me to be near God. That I make HIM my refuge. That I spend time with God in prayer and reading his word, the Bible. That I sing Jesus songs of praise and worship him alone and together with other people in fellowship. And that I speak of his great deeds – that I tell of what God has done for me, of his presence in my life. That is my wish for 2014!
