So here we are, 2022. Can you believe it?
Are you like me, at times, wondering where 2020 and 2021 went? These past two years seem to run into each other as we try to decipher the events and times of each day. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to welcome in a new year with all the opportunities that lie ahead. Although we may not know all that is in front of us, we should be confident that God is in control and is waiting on the other side of our uncertainties.
Are you ready for a new year?
Some of us make New Year’s resolutions. Others make new commitments and goals or choose a word to focus on throughout the year. Whatever your reset is as you flip the calendar, I pray you’re found ready and keep your light lit for Christ.
While reading through the book of Luke this Christmas season, I was struck by these two verses in Luke 12:35-36, “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks.”
I thought to myself, am I dressed in readiness? Do I keep my light lit?
In the Greek, readiness means to gird one’s self; to equip one’s self with knowledge of the truth; be prepared.
If we are to be adequately prepared for action we must value time in God’s presence as supreme over being bombarded by the world’s influences. We must build our lives on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Preparation is essential to Christian living.
The greatest way we can prepare ourselves for the days ahead is to be found in Him through reading His Word. His Word will equip you to handle and respond to trials, temptations, adversities and successes, which undoubtedly come your way.
What does it look like to dress ourselves for readiness?
- First, we must meet with God in the stillness of His presence and apply Colossians 3:12-15 to our daily routine, “ . . . clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We must make allowances for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
- Secondly, we should hide God’s Word in our hearts so we will have an answer for others as 2 Timothy 4:2 tells us to, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction.
- Lastly, but the most important, is to keep preparing for Christ’s return and practice righteousness. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.”’
Reading and memorizing His Word will be a guard and protection that will sustain you and keep you. And continue to dress yourself with the righteousness of God, so that you will be found ready at His return.
What’s your wardrobe consist of?
Does it only consist of an exterior adornment or is it an internal sacrifice and yielding to the Spirit of God that causes you to follow Him closer and glorify Him with each passing day?
Oh, that you and I would be women that dress ourselves with strength and makes our arms strong (see Proverbs 31:17) and wear the belt of truth (see Ephesians 6:14) to secure our foundation and be ready for the days ahead knowing that we have a God that goes before us.
Journeying with Him,
Jessie