Happy New Year! Well, almost. I cannot believe that 2012 is coming to an end and a new season is about to unfold, a season full of hope and promise. Over the last few days, I have spent much time in reflection.
As Christmas drew near, I reflected on the sacrifice that Jesus made, leaving the comforts of His heavenly home and coming to earth, to be born as a babe in humble fashion, just because of His love for me!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believesin him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
As I struggle through a personal issue and strive to find hope and joy, I reflect on who He is and how many promises are wrapped up in His Name.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6b)
And now as 2012 comes to a close, I am reflecting on all of the lessons learned and the many blessings this year has brought to me. Some of these blessings have come easily, almost unexpectedly; yet others have come through much toil and tears. Although I am truly thankful for that which has come effortlessly, I am even more grateful for those blessings which were harder to see. These are the ones I had to fight for, holding on for dear life for, as I leaned on Him to carry me through.
As I look ahead to the New Year, I am leaning forward. I’d like to say that I am walking, or running, pushing aside all of the obstacles that lay in front of me. But I am finding comfort in the leaning as I allow God to carry me. Leaning into His strength is not a sign of weakness but a sign of dependance. And at this time in my life, I am utterly dependent on Him for everything.
“Who is this coming up from the wilderness Leaning on her beloved?” (Song of Solomon 8:5a)
How about you my friend? How are you moving into this new season of your life? Are you walking, jumping, running, or do you find yourself leaning? No matter how you enter in, God promises to go ahead of you and prepare the way. He promises to give you strength for the journey ahead.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5)
Beautiful reminder, Barbie. I find myself at the end of this year humbled, perhaps even a bit frustrated with myself at even more weaknesses revealed. And in that place there can be the temptation to pull back, and yet yesterday in a devotion and here today, He reminds me this is exactly when I need to lean in, to pull close, to allow His strength to be my strength.
Blessings to you as you press in ever closer this year. Keeping you in my prayers!
K
Beautiful thoughts, Barbie! I love the image of leaning into the New Year! ANd I love that praying image by one of my favorite artists as a perfect compliment and reflection of what that looks like! 😉 Happy New Year and Hugs! Lean on , Sister. I lean with you and know it is best to lean full on Him then our own strength.
Hi Barbie,
I’m excited to see what 2013 holds! But I continue to learn and remember not to run ahead of Him. (Sometimes I need to remind myself of that daily.) God has a plan…He’s led me this far and He will continue to guide me where He wants me to be. And He will do the same for you! When I feel low on patience, I try to remind myself of how much better things turn out when I wait on Him and do it His Way & in His time.
Happy New Year!
Laura
Hi Barbie,
I love how you are so humble and open and how your words paint a clear picture to me. The journey in this world is not easy, it is tough and only the humble will see this and acknowledge their helplessness and seek Him.
Thanks for sharing so much of you. 🙂 I am going into 2013 in a learning curve. The spiral I am on in still taking me deeper in Father and the more I think I know the more I realize I know nothing at all. With this I am learning that knowing only Jesus and Him crucified, giving up of self and relying on Him to give me a new and fresh revelation every day to make it through into the next day. I am also learning that I really do not like living not knowing what chaos tomorrow brings but I am assured that through it all Jesus is there with me getting me through all of it.
Blessings hon,