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“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock.”

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FORWARDS INTO 2022

‘Forwards’ is a word I use often in my role as a horse riding instructor.  It’s a term that refers to a ridden horse moving with positive, controlled energy.  It requires both balance and purpose and it is a vital part of correct training.  ‘Forwards’ is not necessarily ‘fast’ though.  In fact, it is possible for a horse to be ‘forwards’ whilst travelling slowly, and even a halt can be described as ‘forwards’, because, although momentarily standing still the horse is balanced and alert; waiting for the riders’ next request.  ‘Forwards’ in these terms is as much a state of mind as it is a movement.

Does this speak to you about our own spiritual lives?  When I am teaching riding I often feel there are so many spiritual lessons hidden within the physical realities, and this idea of developing positive, controlled energy to enable us to be moving ‘forwards’ is a powerful one.

With the challenges we face in our lives it’s so easy to become discouraged and negative.  To lose our drive and to get weighed down with the cares and worries of this life and we are not alone in this; The Israelites, God’s people, when they were being rescued by God from their slavery in Egypt experienced the same lack of positive, controlled energy and God had to order them to ‘go forward’ and cross over the Red Sea, when he divided the waters for them (Exodus 15:15).

In later years the words of the prophet (Jeremiah 7:24) make it all too clear that God’s people were still suffering from the same lack of positive, controlled energy, when he says “they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.”

If we want to go ‘forwards’ spiritually, we need to develop the right attitude, and focus our energy and attention on God and his son, Jesus.  We need to be attentive, concentrating on the way ahead; God’s way.

It’s not a quick fix, because it takes time for us to become what we should be.  Paul, in his wonderful letter to the (Philippians 3:13) makes this very clear, when he says ‘No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead..’

So, let’s go ‘forwards’ into 2022 with positive, controlled energy, focussing on what is ahead, and being attentive to God’s word.