Looking Back…To Go Forward

The New Year is a natural time to reflect on what was, and plan for the future. But what do you see?

As I look over the past year, I am in awe of the faithfulness of God. I faced several life changing things in 2014 and I am sure many of you did too. Through it all I know God has been with me. Sometimes I have felt very alone, even isolated. Yet, when I stopped to look for God I found Him ever-present. I only needed to take my focus off my circumstances or pain and there was evidence of His love and care.

This weeks photo reminded me of Psalm 91:4

He will cover you with his pinions,
 and under his wings you will find refuge;
 his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

We are constantly under the shadow of the Almighty, whether we are aware of it or not. And His faithfulness is refreshed daily.

Lamentations 3:²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

 The following is probably my favorite of the old hymns. The language is a bit antiquated, but the words, to me, carry the weight of the power found in God’s promises to us.

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,
As Thou hast been,Thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

(Refrain)

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own great presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

(Refrain)”

© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188
www.hopepublishing.com
All rights reserved.  Used by permission.

When I look back on the last year, asking God to show me His faithfulness to me in both good and trying circumstances, I am amazed. For decades now I have looked back and seen the handiwork of God that brought me to where I am today. God, my heavenly Father has been tremendously faithful to me.

I can hear one good friend saying “Yeah, but you’re different!” To which I reply: I am not different. I may have practiced looking for God in my life more than some, but Abba, our Creator loves us all equally and uniquely. He is equally available….

Laying this foundation of the faithfulness of God in our lives is important for moving forward into the new year and each new day. His mercies are new every morning! Making God’s love and faithfulness a fundamental part of our mindset liberates us to trust Him as we venture in to each new day.

What a great way to move into a new year! I have an exceptional number of uncertainties facing me in 2015 as I am sure several you do too. I choose to move forward with these promises, and others, from my loving heavenly father, to cheer me and guide me.

Please take a moment to look for and connect with the faithfulness of God in your life….

Abba, help me to allow you deeper access into my life today and every day. Forgive me for ‘taking charge’ when Your way was harder at first, but so much better over all. Give me the courage to rest under the shadow of Your wings.

Thank You for being unchangeable and completely reliable! Thank You for being merciful and slow to anger and for pardoning my sin. Thank You for giving me the gift of your Holy Spirit to live in me, and for the abundant peace that flows freely from You when I allow You to lead!

You bless me beyond words…everyday. I cling to the bright hope before me, because You sustain my life for a purpose. And when You call me, You are faithful to see I have all I need to accomplish what You have set before me.

Bring on the New Year so we can go together! Amen!