This past year was most difficult in many
ways I would never wish to repeat; and in just as much sorrow as it has leant,
this year has closed it’s curtains with fireworks of joy – a new Grandbaby and
a Prodigal come home. I could not be happier with an ending like this; so
with that, only praise should go up to our faithful LORD who is good!
For any one of
us tomorrow may begin a new year with an even more difficult year – only God
knows what’s in store. With this in mind, I’d like to begin 2019 with this:
No matter what comes my way, whether
hardship or happiness, I will set my sight on the LORD because it is He only
that can give me joy and calm the storm and bring peace. With this
mindset I can begin to walk into excellence regardless of the hurdles I may
need to endure; and just maybe these hurdles that may be experienced will be
the next stumble into learning a new lesson, a new way of living, a new friend,
a new door to walk through, a new talent, a new goal, a new calling, a new
perspective or whatever it is that may be enlightening into the new.
Through pain I will say, “God will walk with me”. Through sorrow I will
say, “God will stay by me”. Through disappointment I will say, “God will
provide for me”. Through the great times I will say, “God has always been
for me”. Through the stale and silent times I will say, “God is preparing
for me”.
I was gifted a
tea mug this Christmas with a statement engraved into it. It states:
ALWAYS BE JOYFUL IN HOPE
And so in preparation of the new year I
must change my mind in how I think and what I do about what I think.
Being JOYFUL in HOPE has a doing attitude – a positive perspective when
negative begins to invade the hope that I have for this upcoming year.
Every day will provide me with something new to learn, but it’s up to me to
discover it. My hope this evening is that these words will be a beginning
of a change in me – a new positive mindset – and that God will use the change
in me to inspire others. That is my prayer for this next New Year.
What is your prayer or goal or whatever
you call it for this new year of 2019?
May the LORD Bless you and keep you and
shine His ever loving glorious face upon you and may you find extraordinary
favor this year.
Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
CindyJane
