Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NKJV

Here we are, we find ourselves at the close of another year. In the brief days between Christmas and the inauguration of a new year, we often find ourselves having accumulated a few extra pounds, a little more credit card debt and wondering, “Where did the year go?”

In these six short days we are usually tempted to review the year and tally success and failure. For some the year included loss and pain, loved ones gone on before us, dreams and hopes deferred or derailed. Some might review the year and celebrate.

However, it is highly unlikely that there are many that will journey too far down the road of introspection and not, yet  again, for yet another year, decide that  change must be made.

Another year and more promises. Promises to take greater advantage of time, to live healthier, to visit friends more often, to slow down, to be kinder, and on it goes.

My prayer is that as we take inventory of 2015, we don’t overlook the glaring truth, that the Lord was always with me.

That everything that looked like it would overtake me, everything that made itself menacing, threatening to destroy or at least derail us, was at best, that, a threat. That on this side of conflict and the accompanying worry. We can see, as the scripture states, it was “a light affliction.”

My prayer is that as you look back on the year that the question we ask ourselves is “Did we grow closer to the Lord Jesus?’

Did we trust Him more and fear life less?

Are we living for a day beyond today, for a calendar that isn’t consumed with marketed shoppers holidays?

In the Bible, we never see God’s people celebrating a new year. As a matter of fact, the Hebrew calendar which God ordained, is based on harvest seasons and remembrance of God’s faithfulness, decidedly time is measured between encounters with the Lord and Sabbath days of rest.

What a great reminder that God doesn’t measure life in days, but in fruitfulness and faithfulness.

As believers we must remain aware that our days are not a matter of success or failures, but that we are living for eternity in the glorious presence of our Lord.

To continually remind ourselves, that this life has the right to pass with days and that while we are called to live in them with integrity, urgency and faithfulness, but  that our greatest calling is more horizontal than vertical.

To live the reality that the saints of God are living in a continual awareness of eternity, longing continually to grow in the reverent love of God.

Believing that our purpose here is to glorify God, broadcast the transforming Gospel, and point our eyes to the hills where our help comes from. If we are taking inventory, let the evaluation be made with the value system of our heavenly home.

If we are making resolutions, let us resolve this, to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with the Lord our God (Micah 6:8).

David Malcom is the pastor of Trinity Gospel Church. He can be contacted at davidmalcom75@gmail.com.