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Viewpoint from Mike Clarry 26/01/2018
Mike Clarry
Elder, Seventh-day Adventist Church
as publsihed in the Yarmouth Mercury
 Words of Encouragement
During the recent festive season, thousands of people wished others a happy and prosperous New Year! These wishes are always encouraging and always well received, for everyone wants a happy and prosperous New Year. However, the phrase ‘Happy New Year’ is so broadly used that in most cases, the real heartfelt gesture that it’s intended to be, has somehow been reduced to a mere phrase or used as a formality
Furthermore, it’s almost expected to be seen on our social media profiles. It is wonderful to hear people wishing others all the best for no other reason than just being kind and caring. However, imagine how wonderful it would really be if every well wish was as truly meant, as broadly as it was given out
During Jesus’ ministry on Earth, He also had many encouraging words and wishes to share. His wonderful words were and still are for everyone. The difference between the words spoken by Jesus and all the well wishes given out during the festive season, is that Jesus’ words were not spoken as a mere formality but rather through a true heartfelt love, and tender care for our wellbeing. Every promise, every lesson and every word of guidance spoken by the Saviour, was in true love and compassion for our sakes
 One of the greatest promises and most encouraging passages spoken by Jesus is recorded in the book of John: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” John 14:1-3 NLT
Knowing that the words of Jesus are totally sincere, and having the assurance of the great promise that He will return, and that He wants us to be with Him, are for me most encouraging. That great promise stands for all who accept Him and want to be with Him
We can wish each other a Happy and prosperous New Year which sound great, however when Jesus says, “I will come and get you” and “I am going to prepare a place for you” these word are packed with promise and assurance and action. Our well wishes are mere words, Jesus’ are active promises that reflect His great love for us and His deep desire for us to be with Him
Amidst all our New Year resolutions, I encourage you to choose Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour, and to make your number one resolution for this year; to have a closer relationship with Jesus! May God truly bless you this year
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