Welcome to 2022! I’m so glad we made it. Some of my friends didn’t. The hope of seeing them again fuels the fire that keeps me moving toward Jesus.

“Christ is my life.” A young preacher repeats the phrase multiple times. At the end of his sermon, he raises both hands, vowing once more, “Christ is my life.” I watched that sermon more than a year ago. I’ve not forgotten it.

Today I sit at my cluttered desk, a softly snoring pug at my feet. My Bible is open to Colossians 3:4, which begins, “When Christ who is our life appears…” I remember David Platt’s sermon. “Are You my life?” Jesus doesn’t answer right away. He lets my whispered question rest on my own ears.

2021 has been a year of highs and lows, victories and disappointments, sickness and death. I suppose that’s no different from any other year. But it feels different—the highs fewer than the lows. The victories swallowed by disappointment, the deaths closer than we expected. Too many mornings I’ve opened Facebook to learn of one more friend, church member, or acquaintance who closed their eyes for the last time on earth. Too many phone calls or grim text messages over the past twelve months ended with My Honey and me holding one another close and praying for those left behind. It’s been brutal.

Am I your life when death snuffs out people you love?

The Spirit softly interrupts my thoughts. Grief can easily become a way of life, can’t it? Especially for those who have no hope of seeing a loved one again.

Am I your life when physical pain or mental anguish threatens to steal your joy?

 I’ll admit, it’s hard to focus on Christ when I’m hurting. What about you? Has pain become your closest companion?

Am I your life when money is tight and bills are knocking?

The faith it takes to believe God for the tangible is something I’m working on with Him. I want to be a modern George Muller. But I lack the trust to sit at the table and wait for bread. I too often try to make things happen rather than pray for things to happen and allow Christ to be the Bread of my life.

What about you, dear friend? Is Christ YOUR life? Or has the enemy come in like a roaring lion to devour your faith, steal your joy and refocus your attention from what is most important? As we face a new year, I want to encourage you to join me in making Christ my life. We can do this. One day at a time with Jesus, no matter what. He is coming soon and His reward is with Him. I’m excited about that, aren’t you?

Happy, hopeful New Year!

Juliet