p. 1 | Be Strong and of Good Courage

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1915

Be Strong and of Good Courage

How rapidly the years pass! But twelve short months ago we wrote for the first time 1914. But now 1914 has gone never to return. The sweep of relentless time has brought us to 1915. It, too, will soon pass in its turn, and thus year will succeed year until the sum total of earth's history is complete. We cannot stay the hands on the dial of time's great clock; we would not if we could. God's great purposes must be wrought out. The gospel message must do its appointed work. Out from among all the nations of earth Christ is gathering a people for his kingdom; and when that has been accomplished, time as reckoned by the calendars of men will be no more. The darkness of earth's night will give place to the brightness of eternal day. The reign of sin will be succeeded by the benign rule of the Prince of Peace. For sorrow we shall have joy; for mourning, laughter. Pleasure will supplant pain. Eternal confidence and peace will take the place of anxiety and unrest. “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” This time of gladness will soon be ushered in. “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Another year is given in which to prepare for this blessed state. Let us make it count in the heavenly race. Let us make it a year of victory over sin, of earnest service in the cause and work of the Master. This new year will come weighted with trials, lightened with blessings, filled with opportunities, charged with solemn responsibilities. We shall need heavenly wisdom and divine power to enable us rightly to relate ourselves to its manifold ministry in working out God's purpose in our lives. But we shall live but one day at a time. Moment by moment we may experience the keeping power of the Infinite One. He will hold our weak hands in his strong and mighty grasp. He will go with us in every experience. His admonition for this new year is, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”