By Rev. Daniel Yaw

Introduction
Another year has passed and it has been almost two years since the pandemic.  We know now that this pandemic is here to stay – mutation after mutation, gives rise to fear and uncertainty.  We are uncertain about many things – how normal would life become, how long will the borders remain closed, how long will I be able to see my children who are living overseas, how long before my children could come and see me…..  HOW LONG??

Facing the new year in 2022, may even be a daunting one – how would I fair?

With all the questions written here, some unverbalized and some in your mind, you wonder whether there is still meaning in life, whether there is still hope in life?

I end the year with a somewhat low note and at the same time, the lower I get, the greater the need to look up at God.

As the leaders gathered together in November, pondering, praying and planning for the new year, we felt the Lord is speaking to His people to come back to Him and look up to Him.  And with that, I would like to convey to all of you, my family in Christ that God is asking us of our faith in Him at such a difficult time like this – “Where lies our faith?”

The Lord led me through a series of devotion from the book of Colossians – bearing the theme – “Hidden in Christ” which will be the church theme for the year 2022.  Our life should there be any meaning and hope must be hidden in Christ and none other. 

The global situation is not promising, our government is not performing, our personal life is somewhat challenged.  Where else could we place our faith in?

Colossian 2:6-7, states, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Begin with a relationship with Christ:
A life hidden in Christ begins with a relationship with Him.  However, it does not end there.  It is merely a beginning for more to come.  As Paul wrote those words, it is so true that with each year, our journey with the Lord can either become more difficult or easier, depending where we are rooted and built up.

In my experience in this journey I discovered many times that it all depends where my mindset is.    Looking at things around us causes my journey more difficult but looking at Jesus, things are a bit easier.  The path may be the same but the journey a difference.

Built your life in Him
1.      As you received, live in Him
So receiving Christ is not the end but the beginning of life.  Having started this relationship with Jesus, I must strive to live for Him.  Receiving Christ is not just a “passport” to heaven but a “permit” to a worthy walk in the paths of righteousness.

2.     As you are rooted, built up in Him
With the foundation built, the building must be put up.  Otherwise it means nothing to just have the foundation but no structure.  Our life begins with that foundation and it takes a lifetime to put up the structure of our lives.  The key is to be built up in Him as well.  All of my life must be centred around him.  Here are some questions to ponder over as we “hide” (or secure) our life in Christ;

• Christ is the Lord = how am I living my life in the lordship of Christ?
• Christ is the Great High Priest = how fervent and believing when I pray?
• Christ is the King = do I still come before my King to worship Him?
• Christ is the Holy Judge = how do I live my life in fear of Him?.
• Christ is the Word = what am I doing with what I have read or heard?

Conclusion
The year 2022 will be a significant year in the sense when we come to the close of 2022, we will look at ourselves and said, “How has Christ been Lord in my life and how secured have I been in Him through this insecure time and world?”  May God bless and lead you in this new year.