He never failed to watch the sunset.”
–Zane Grey (Fighting Caravans)
“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures.”
–John 10:9 (NLT)
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“The LORD is my shepherd, I have everything I need.”
–Psalm 23:1 (NLT)
I had several thoughts on how to start the Echo in 2026. So often we get caught up right at the beginning of the year with thoughts such as: “I hope this year is better,” or “It’s starting out badly,” or “It’s just like last year.” Such thoughts, we need to shake them out of our mind if we really trust the Lord. Since He is our shepherd, He does provide everything we need. Notice–need! The KJV says, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” We want so much, want this, want that, and if we stop wanting, once in a while we might thank the Lord for all He has provided, all that we need.
Ponder the words of this old hymn, written by Dorothy Thrupp in 1836.
“Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou has bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou has bought us, Thine we are.”
Troubles? Yes, but don’t fret over them. They come, they happen, and they go. But if you feed your worry you carry your troubles a lot further than needed. Trust, yes, trust in the Savior. Get the words of Psalm 23 in your heart, don’t just say them because they are familiar.
“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
–Psalm 23:2-5 (NLT)
“We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, be the guardian of our way.
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray.”
Don’t struggle so much with your problems, and more importantly don’t struggle with the Lord. He knows the way, so why go your own way? He is there! Get that, He is there with you each step of the way. When there is a crossroads along the journey, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and when He points out the direction follow Him, don’t chide Him, don’t mock Him by saying your way is better. Understand that He knows better than us.
“Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to Thee.”
Yes, we stumble. Yes, we are often stiffnecked and go our own way and soon find we are in a heap of trouble. Yes, we fail. When we do these sinful, foolish things, know that He has mercy and grace to forgive us and He is ready to forgive and help us along the way again. Think of His promises, then contemplate on His great faithfulness.
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”
–Psalm 23:6 (NLT)
Going the wrong way, look and you will see the Holy Spirit pursuing you to bring you back to the right path. Be ready for 2026, it will be an adventurous year in the Lord. Keep your hand in His and if there is a problem, a sin, a mistake, a trip and stumble–be quick to look to the Lord. Let Him draw closer you to than ever before. You want a relationship, make it happen in 2026.
“Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast loved us, love us still.”