Reflection III: Looking Forward...

I don't know about you, but I find it staggering to consider that 2022 is almost over. For me, this year has brimmed with countless beautiful and painful moments. However, through it all God has been astoundingly Faithful.

As I gaze toward the coming year, there are still many areas of my life that throb or feel unresolved. I'm sure you feel the same. As I cling to God's Promises, though, my sense of hope and joy toward the future is renewed.

Here are a few Scriptures/thoughts I've been dwelling on as I face next year:

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."

- Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT; emphasis mine)

I love all of Isaiah 55, but I've been particularly meditating on these verses:

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens

and stay on the ground to water the earth.

They cause the grain to grow,

producing seed for the farmer

and bread for the hungry.

It is the same with my word.

I send it out, and it always produces fruit.

It will accomplish all I want it to,

and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

You will live in joy and peace.

The mountains and hills will burst into song,

and the trees of the field will clap their hands!

Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.

Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.

These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name;

they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”

- Isaiah 55:10-13 (NLT)

"The Sower's Song" by Andrew Peterson beautifully incorporates this passage of Scripture (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3unpvYQJiic).

I find it so comforting to know that I won't have to stumble through 2023 on my own. I simply have to dwell in the Presence of my Loving Father, and surrender myself - heartaches and all - to Him. He will equip me, strengthen me, and flood me with peace for the days to come. According to Ephesians, I should get my hopes up, because it's His Nature to do "infinitely more than we might ask or think". As we root ourselves in Him, we will flourish even in the midst of adversity, becoming living displays of His Glory.

Hope this encourages you, friends! I'm planning to take at least the first couple weeks of January off from posting, and resume working on the blog around the beginning of February. I'll give you an update if I change my mind, though.

Praying you have a wonderful week and a Happy New Year! :)