60. Seasoned
But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end. (Deuteronomy 11: 11-12)
On the first day of each new year, I read this Scripture passage. It is a reminder that another year has arrived. I know it will hold seasons of days.
Before I look forward, I look back on the highlights from the year just completed. Yes, there were mountains and valleys. I came through them! I will face joys and challenges in the year ahead. I intend to walk into the unknowns of each new day aware of God’s faithfulness. He guides me if I choose to let him.
True. The Lord cares about the land and the year. But He cares about me more.
His presence is steadfast. His eyes are continually on me. He desires my cooperation as He accompanies me daily with his grace. I best not dwell on each day of the whole year. That would be overwhelming! God sees those days ahead. I release them into his caring hands.
I commit to accepting his grace as I live out one day at a time. Will I discover it to be a mountain or a valley day or somewhere in between? Maybe it will be a day comprised of all three!
As I read this Scripture, I know I will have questions as some of my days arrive. That is alright. Seasons from other years in my life have helped me recognize that my not-knowing is simply part of God’s all-knowing. He sees the land’s obstacles. I trust and follow his lead. I become a seasoned traveler by choosing to accept both the mountain days and the valley days.
Each nourishes me as I drink the rain from heaven—
God’s presence itself.
Prayer: Lord, you are my constant Comforter as I face the seasons of my life and the unknowns of each day. Thank you for being my hope, my trust, and my guide as I treasure you in each of my moments. Amen.
Photo Credit: Mt. Baker from atop Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island, Washington (2010)
Lynn L. Severance. “Seeking the Light of God's Comforter- When Challenges Dim Our View”. 60. Seasoned. Redemption Press.
Happy New Year Lynn! What a lovely devotional to greet the new year. Typical of me, this devotional drew me to tears. I have no idea what the tears are about!? Maybe it's a mix of grief, relief, hope & encouragement as I leave behind 2017 & step into 2018 & the unknowns that are within its 365 days! May God guide us both into this new year. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kerryn!
DeleteI need the reminders of what a year can bring and how God always brings us through. He never fails. And I fail so miserably as I fuss instead of focusing on HIM right away when 'new stuff' emerges.
Each year does bring its mountain and valley times (grief, relief, hope, encouragement) so as this year ends, I can understand your feelings.
I am grateful to have walked with you through 2017 (as well as all your support of me) and plan to keep walking 'together' with each other and Him into his 2018!
Love you!
Lynn
I remember reading this before Lynn, but I'm always struck by the phrase, "my not-knowing is simply part of God’s all-knowing". So true and such a great reminder as we enter another year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, dear friend - and thanks for all you share!
Love,
Fiona
Happy New Year, Fiona!
DeleteYou greet the new year a bit before those of us in the USA but it still is a joy to look fresh at a new year.
As I look 'back' on my year, it has been such a full one and I have all things to be grateful for - including your visit with me when you were here from Australia. A true highlight!
Love, Lynn