“Facing the New Year” by Bishop Emeritus James Kwang on 10th Feb 2019

The letter of Paul to the Philippians taught us how to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4). First we must thank God in our prayers for our experiences in the past. (Phil 1:3-5). In both good and bad things that happened in our lives, even trials that come our way we need to give thanks i.e. we need to give thanks in all circumstances. To live in the past will prevent us from going forward. Forget about the past and strain forward (Phil 3: 13). 
Next we must expect God to bring us the best thing in the present (Phil 1:9-10a).

God is going to do great things in our lives (Eph 3:20). So are we going to take on the challenges that come our way? 
Lastly we must look to the Lord and entrust to the Lord our future. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6). If we persevere and rely on our God and not on our own strength, God will bring the best among us (Zech 4:6). Let God take control of our life and He will definitely see us through. Whether in family or church life He will bring us through. Our life is in God’s hand. Learn to let go and let God take control of our life. Our life is not always smooth sailing but if we follow Jesus, at the end of the day it is the grace of God that helps us through.