2016, here we are! Oh my, aren't you thankful for new beginnings and fresh starts? Okay, so we can all think of a billion ways that we messed up last year or things we wish had turned out differently. Yes, 2015 had plenty of joys and happy surprises...but also it's fair share of sorrows and challenges.
So for everything that was--thank You, sovereign Lord. For every misstep and sin--please forgive us and teach us through it, Father. I don't want to simply turn the page on 2015 and forget all about it. I want to both remember the past with a grateful heart and grow and learn from those areas where I sinned and failed.
Yes, gratitude and growth!
But now, Lord, help us to look ahead with hopeful anticipation and joyful expectancy at all You will be doing in this new year. We choose to put away fear, because we know when those hard times and difficult challenges arise, You will be there, Father--working, moving, superintending all things for Your glory and our good.
Now, in case we need a little visual, how about Mr. Bingley? He's insanely crazy to have someone, anyone, throw his whatever-you-call-it so he can race after it and bring it back to again and again and again. And with every throw, Bingley drops the toy at your feet and looks at you with tremendous excitement, dancing in place and barking happily in joyful anticipation of the next throw.
Such grace, such a gift--another day to love our family and friends. Another day to enjoy good food and great fellowship. Another day to laugh out loud and sing even louder. Another day to stand in awe at the beauty of the created world around us. Another day to read a good book, sit by a fire, serve unselfishly, encourage another person, walk your sweet dog, and, of course, eat some chocolate. And another day to hear the God of all creation speak to you in His Word and to spend time talking with and loving this awesome One who made you and died to save you. I'd say we have an awful lot to look forward to and get excited about, don't you?
I loved this prayer from Corrie ten Boom: "Lord Jesus, at the start of this new year, we ask for a fresh beginning. Wipe our sins away with Your precious blood. Cleanse our hearts of bitterness toward others. Help us to live each day in close communication with You, our true and faithful Guide."
Yep, a new year. A fresh, clean start. And the Lord with us and for us no matter what the days ahead may bring. I'm praying that this would be "the year of the Lord's favor" (Isa.61:2; Lk 4:19) in our family, in our nation, and even in our world. He is able!
Let's keep pressing on with hope and joy towards the Treasure of treasures.
To God be the glory.
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