What new beginning do you need? There comes a time when we all need a new beginning. A time when we say I can’t do this any longer – I must have something change – and I will do something to bring change. But we’re limited. If we weren’t we wouldn’t make so many temporary resolutions at the turn of a year and fail miserably before the day ends.
I’d rather look to a solution. One that won’t fail.
Often at the start of a new year, I look to a name of God along with a special Word to hold on to for the next dozen months. My word is peace. We’re on the sacred heels of celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace – our Jehovah Shalom. If you’re coming out (or going into) a difficult time there is no greater shelter than the peace and presence that breathes over those moments.
So what do you want to be different in the coming year? I have too many answers to that question, so I’ll just share the first one. Me.
I want me different – to learn how to experience more peace and stillness in the madness. Same with you?
While reviewing the arduous journey logged in this year’s journal, between the bitter lines, I desperately highlight the grace. When circumstances don’t appear to change and we’re waiting for something different, can we do that? Highlight the grace, I mean.
Last year’s bag we drag may be so heavy we can’t take another step to safely walk onto the page of January 1st. Life situations and marred memories can’t mysteriously change with the turn of a calendar page – oh, but they can – if we choose to see them differently in perfect abandon.
True peace isn’t the absence of problems, it’s holding tight to the One who knows how to manage the mess and clean up the spills of our failures. For me, and maybe for you, there’s a lot that closes this year that will still be there tomorrow.
And so will He.
So, I’m laying down my heavy bag and packing light with just a 2016 survival kit – a Bible filled with miracles and mercy and a journal to record them. All of them.
Lets – together.
You crown the year with Your goodness and Your paths drip with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 (my prayer for you).
Verna
Well said Verna! Here’s to walking in His abundant goodness. Blessings!
Every day – greater than our understanding! Thank you and bless the coming year for you and your family, Maureen!
Thank u, Verna!
And don’t we know this together, dear friend?
Love you.
Love you too, Sharon – may you have #2016 blessings – that’s alot of blessing 🙂
Beautiful Verna! My favorite phrase…highlight the grace!
Mine, too . . . we must highlight the grace or the situation may get noticed first 🙂 Thank you, Glenda. . . . I’ll be checking in to see how your trip was.
Thank you, Verna, for sharing your heart!?After having your book for a few months now, believe it or not, I just began reading it last night and could hardly put it down. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!
,
Oh, so good to know Linda – the Lord chose to put the book in your hand for this moment (and you couldn’t put it down, that’s so encouraging!) May every page bless you!
True peace isn’t the absence of problems, it’s holding tight to the One who knows how to manage the mess and clean up the spills of our failures. For me, and maybe for you, there’s a lot that closes this year that will still be there tomorrow.
And so will He.
Well said, Verna, and so true. Thank you!
Well said, Verna, and so true. Thank you!
“True peace isn’t the absence of problems, it’s holding tight to the One who knows how to manage the mess and clean up the spills of our failures. For me, and maybe for you, there’s a lot that closes this year that will still be there tomorrow.
“And so will He.”
Well said, Verna, and so true. Thank you!
Our hope and peace – and so will He to meet the morning with His mercy – thank you for passing this along, Marlene (my dear scribe-mentor and encourager 🙂 Bless the coming year for you and the family.
Miss Verna,
Inspiring words to start anyone’s New Year off in the right direction. I, too, seek those words that the Lord has for me for each New Year. He has not revealed them to me, as of yet. However, I know that His words are worth the wait. God bless and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Beth Owens
And if we seek those words and direction, He is faithful. Thank you for the encouraging comment, Beth! Can’t wait to see you at She Leads!