"The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

This verse holds a special place in my heart. It was used by my former pastor, Rev Kevin Lowe, during the Wesleyan Covenant Watchnight Service. The service is meant to be the last of the year and the first service of the new year. We have the service at midnight. The service provides time for us to reflect, confess and commit or re-commit. When he shared the message, it encouraged me alot as I was definitely uncertain of the year ahead. What kind of tribulation will I face? What defeat or failures will I experience? And the verse remind me that God is gracious. His grace is sufficient to sustain me and lead me onwards. When we look to His face, we recieve His peace, which the world cannot give.

It is worth mentioning that this blessing was told by God to Moses and Aaron. He told them to use these words to bless His people.

How apt is this verse on the eve of the Monkey Year. God will surely lead me onwards in the new year. I can rest assure that I will have His grace and peace to live through challenges. I hope all my relatives and friends share the same assurance.

Lord, I need your blessing, every moment, every day, every week, every month, every year.... throughout my life. Thank you for blessing me with grace and peace. Amen.