Assurance for 2020

December 31, 2019. The last day of the year, the last day of the decade. As I arose from my bed early in the morning to read my Bible and pray, I wondered, with some reservation, what the new year would bring. And then the Holy Spirit led me to Psalm 92. From the very first verse, God spoke words of comfort and assurance to my unsettled heart. 

God reminded me in His Word that His love is unfailing and He remains faithful from morning to evening each day (v2). I was prompted to reflect over the past year and remember what He has done for me. How he has “thrilled me” with his grace (v4). I’ve seen the great works He has completed on my behalf. 

For all that He has done, God is worthy of my praise. And while my life on this earth is just a breath, God is eternal. He is forever. Even when I don’t understand, I can know that God’s ways are not my ways but His ways are BEST (v5). 

Surely there will be days in 2020 and years beyond that I’ll feel overwhelmed by the trauma and evil in this world, but Psalm 92 reminds me that God will strengthen me and He will always have the last word. And as I age, I can be comforted by the promise that one day, when I have walked my last days on this earth, I will be transplanted to heaven where I will live forever in God’s presence (v13). 

While I was comforted by the words I read, I was also challenged. Even though another year brings another birthday and, ahem, aging, I can still produce fruit (v14). There may be more gray in my hair to cover up and these bones may creak a bit more, but God is not done with me yet. 

What worries and reservations do you have for 2020? I encourage you to read Psalm 92 and take God’s Word to heart. May we never cease to praise God who is our Rock and may we never cease to rejoice in the comfort and care of His loving Sovereignty over our lives. The new year may bring change and uncertainty but we can rest in the promise that our lives are in the hands of the one true unchanging God. 

© 2019 Robin R King

Psalm 92 New Living Translation (NLT)

1 “It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

    to sing praises to the Most High.

2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,

    your faithfulness in the evening,

3 accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp,

    and the melody of a lyre.

4 You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!

    I sing for joy because of what you have done.

5 O Lord, what great works you do!

    And how deep are your thoughts.

6 Only a simpleton would not know,

    and only a fool would not understand this:

7 Though the wicked sprout like weeds

    and evildoers flourish,

    they will be destroyed forever.

8 But you, O Lord, will be exalted forever.

9 Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish;

    all evildoers will be scattered.

10 But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.

    You have anointed me with the finest oil.

11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;

    my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents.

12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees

    and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.

13 For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.

    They flourish in the courts of our God.

14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;

    they will remain vital and green.

15 They will declare, “The Lord is just!

    He is my rock!

    There is no evil in him!”