"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth is transformed
and the mountains are toppled
into the depths of the seas,
though their waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake in the surge.
Selah
"...God is within her; she will not be moved.
God will help her when morning dawns...
The LORD of Hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
"Come, see the works of the LORD...
'Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted over the earth.'" ~ Psalm 46 (excerpts)
2020 has been a challenging year for so many.
Fear.
Illness.
The passing of loved ones.
Loneliness.
Loss.
Poverty.
Grief.
These words, and so many more are symbolic of the journey traveled by so many this year. The impacts of the world and the circumstances it has meted out have been very very real.
What about the words... Hope?
Joy?
Expectation?
Refuge?
Love?
Rejoice?
Devotion?
Protection?
Purpose?
In the light of these words, and THE Word, no matter what this year hath wrought in our lives and the lives of those around us, we are able to rest our head each night and sleep in peace.
We are able to wake and greet each new day in the possibilities of the dawn of the day the Lord has made, and be glad.
We are able to thank You, Father, for Your protection and provision, for Your mercy and glory, knowing that come what may, You are the maker of Heaven and Earth. You are ruler over all. You work all things together for the good of those who love You. And we are Yours.
One friend is fond of pointing out the privilege and responsibility we as believers have, of living in hope and grace and the Peace that passes all understanding.
For so it is, we shall be a light for the Light in a dark world.
So we are able to help to bring true peace and joy into the noise of circumstance and the storms of life.
Abba Father, Thank You, for helping us to live in Your joy and Peace. Thank You, for shining Your Light in us and through us.
Thank You, Adonai... Jehova Jireh... Jehovah Nissi...
Thank You, for the gift of beginning each new day, and certainly this New Year, in the surety of Your promises and the hope of a fresh new tomorrow. Thank You, for helping us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, no matter what may befall us in this life, with You, it is well indeed. All these things we pray in the hope of eternity promised through the birth and life and death and resurrection of Your Son.
Amen.
"He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." ~ Psalm 91:4
"And the LORD answered, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" ~ Exodus 33:14
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." ~ John 14:27
"Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9
"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him." ~ Nahum 1:7
... and SO MANY more Scriptural words of reassurance, more than I could reasonably include here. May you know those promises all, in your very cells, to the bottom of your heart and soul and toes as we venture together and apart into this new year.
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Today's bonus song of praise is more story than song, but I intentionally kept my words brief, because this is so very perfect. I have long known the story behind the hymn, and it is my sincere hope that every believer would hang their hat in the realm of this kind of faith in times of trial.
In this context, the story is so very well told.
I pray it speaks to your soul. I pray that we would each live out such exquisite faith as we sally forth into 2021, that we would have such exemplary hope for tomorrow.
Happy New Year, Beautiful Children of the Most High!!! May your year be blessed beyond anything you could possibly ask or imagine. ♥
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