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Hello, dear friends. It feels like so long since I talked with you! Here we are, in a new year! What's that look like for you? Have you anticipated great things or are you caught up in the chaos of the past?
During this Christmas season, I had the opportunity to visit with many, to hear their stories and share in their lives. Much of what I heard was pleasant; a joy. Some, not so much. It seems at this time of year, many have soft hearts for those who they once had close communion with, and they miss those folks. Some will attempt to make things better if the relationship has been severed. Others, due to death, have not been able to resolve those hurts. Praise God if things are all better now. And remember the One who carries you when life is not better.
Broken…we're all a little broken. Some of us are severely broken and maybe at a place of defeat…giving up. Please don't give up! I know you have heard it said that it's not on the mountaintops that we grow best; we grow best down in the valleys. Down there, where the road is rough and steep to climb, where the sun sometimes isn't shining, down there….in the thistles of life…that's where true growth begins. When we struggle to keep our heads above water, it somehow humbles us to see our neediness. Pain has a way of showing us what we truly are, and who we truly need. Struggles of this life can teach us to turn to each other and to the God who loves us so.
I just completed my reading through the Bible in a year's commitment. Was it easy? No way. Life tends to take over and there were times that I found myself weeks behind. But, I'd settle into my cozy spot and read, read, read, until I was all caught up. My Bible has notes to encourage all throughout the year. A recent note said this: We are not at our best perched at the summit; we are climbers, at our best when the way is steep.
I would agree. When life flows easily for us, we take so much for granted. When we're pushing against a strong wind that wants to knock us down, we rise up, not in our own strength, but in the strength that comes from God. It is His power working within us that will carry us on. And carry on, we must. Whether life is all you want it to be in this new year, or not, I encourage each of us to "Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"…Our loving God, who sees, who knows, who cares all about everything you are or will experience in this new year…will supply all your needs through Christ Jesus! We can do all things through Him, who gives us strength! And when we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths! Have renewed courage…for the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not; I will help thee.
Bless each of my dear friends as you set out to walk the path that God has prepared for you for this new year! Let's walk it out together, holding each other's hand, and the hand of Jesus.
Lord, new beginnings…fresh, exciting, yet dark and painful at times. Hold our hands and lead us through the coming days. Show us your peace that passes all understanding, as we fix our eyes on You. We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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Debby Renninger is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She holds a Bible study in her home in McVeytown, where seeking women are always welcome. She may be reached at (717) 250-7086 for speaking engagements.