Many people are now in the “looking back” phase as the new year begins its ascent much as the sun does each morning. Of course, for the sun to rise, the moon must fade in the background.
I am a reminiscer. Much time is spent pondering the past to learn toward the future.
But as I’ve started thinking back to this unusual, unprecedented year, some other thoughts drifted through and settled in my mind.
This year, there were:
new lessons to remember
the status quo released
blessings no longer taken for granted
unique attention-grabbing moments that might have normally been missed
details learned about self
the surprising things that carried new realization
the new profound stories to tell
once-unwelcomed silence that introduced depth
necessity-prompting decisions
the discovery of welcomed simplicity
thick layers of life unfolded
the once imperative desires now set free
the renewed focus on what’s meaningful
the distraction of temporary being freed to grasp the eternal
a loosening of the pressure from expectations
the awakening of desire for deeper relationships
and there have been many more.
Even in these last weeks, I’ve realized again, my need to be present and focused.
As the adventure of 2021 hints at the fading of 2020, there are a few important truths to remember.
God did not abandon His people through any single moment of the past twelve months. Whatever change comes in the days ahead, He will be there to walk with or carry all who call on Him.
He sees more potential and possibility than we can imagine. Sounds like an adventure to me.
We must grieve in order to heal, but it’s also crucial to release the burdens to receive the blessings.
Christ came in the flesh (John 1:1 & John 1:14) to walk with us in the Spirit. We can choose to actively testify and give witness to all He has done in the past as we grab hold of His promises for the future.
Every second of life is precious. Perhaps it’s time to stop taking for granted what we have and enjoy the moments we’re given.
As we face 2021, may it be with eyes and hearts wide open to hear what God has for us. My prayer is that we take the time to appreciate those we love and connect with them in whatever way we are able.
Above all, may we each focus on God’s greatest purpose for us—to walk in a deeper relationship with Him and learn to stay in step with all He has for us. His word says we can’t begin to imagine all that includes (1 Corinthians 2:9).
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-20
Happy New Year
Photo Credit: Unsplash-Gavin Spear, Annie Spratt
Beautiful. It sure has been reflective to me. The silence has caused more listening. Yet, I find myself at times realizing His …..”peace that passes understanding “. There are times this year tears have flowed uncontrollably, fears, questions about my future, yet, He allows my trust to grow. Isn’t He wonderful ? ♥️
Thank you so much for sharing your heart in these thoughts, Barbara. Yes, you are so right. And what’s amazing is that His peace has been there all along. Maybe the outside noises were simply too loud for us to realize the depth of peace. Thank you again, my friend. God bless. He is indeed wonderful.
Wonderful, Dear Susan! Truly spot on!
Thank you for helping us all to be reminded that we enter the unknown of 2021 with a Blessed Assurance!!
And for being a fantastic example of the joy that obedience brings! So grateful that you are using your gifts this way! Grateful… & proud!!
Thank you so much for commenting, Donna. I love your heart to encourage. The adventure of God’s blessed assurance is priceless. May you sense His blessings every single day. Thank you again, my friend.
Thank you, Susan.
Your thoughts are exactly exact.
This past year in reflection like the stunning and valuable memories in the rear view mirror. But the future holds much to teach us as we proceed forward in His blessing.
All of it in God’s hands. Past, present and future. May we all draw closer to the one who remains our Creator, our Counselor, and our true love.
Go in peace and serve the Lord.
Amen
Thank you, Carole. I appreciate your thoughts and that you shared your heart here. I pray you go in peace as you serve the Lord as well. Blessings.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts derived from this past year. I share many, if not all of them. One in particular caught my eye:
– “a loosening of the pressure from expectations.” Isn’t that the truth. Maybe we can keep that pressure off – forever.
God was, is, and always will be on the throne. He’s watching … and waiting. So thankful to our Loving Father. And for you!
Blessings to you and yours in 2021, The Year of Our Lord.
Thank you so much, Chrissy. I appreciate your thoughts shared here. Blessings to you as well, my friend.
Because I have a tendency to become anxious over the future, I’m focusing on today. It’s trite but I’m telling myself “one day at a time. “
Such a good way to think,Jane. Thank you for sharing that wise perspective. God bless as you walk with Him one day at a time.
I do desire a deeper walk with Him, My Lord and Saviour. Thank you for putting into thoughts how we need to keep our eyes upward to all that God has for us and we will be deeply blessed, no matter the circumstances.
God bless and Happy New Year.
Thank you, my friend. Happy New Year to you as well. And thank you for commenting.