Smile at the Future

This morning as I awoke, I began to think about the fact that it is the beginning of a new year. As I thought back on the previous one, I recalled many wonderful blessings that I am so very grateful to the Lord for. Then immediately I began to sense a feeling of dread and worry coming to me regarding this next year. Why does that happen to me? Why does it happen to anyone? I believe that it is a weakness for most people. There are a few gifted people in this world that just can't see things in any other light than "rosie". I will have to say that most of the time I am a postive person. I get excited about the fact that I have hope in God and in His promises. And yet, there is a devil in this world. Fear comes along telling me that somehow God won't be there for me this time. At that point God expects me to deal with the fear and choose to have faith! It is vital that I turn from the lies of the devil and to the promises of our faithful God. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear (of cowardice), BUT He has given us a spirit of power, and of love, and of a calm and well- balanced mind and self-control (Amp. version). I then directed myself to God's word and recalled Proverbs 31:25. This chapter is about the instruction King Lemuel recieved from his godly mother. Vs 1-9 she tells him to be righteous, not foolish, and to be helpful to those who are desolate and defenseless. She then goes on to explain what an intelligent and virtous woman is like (vs10-31). This woman is strong and secure (vs27). She rejoices over the future. Another translation says that she smiles at the future. I have reminded myself again, for the one thousandth time, to trust God. He is good (Ps 106:1). He has never failed me yet, nor will He ever (Heb.13:5)!

Wait!

Before I start this new year off running, (trying to catch up with last year), I have decided that it would be advantageous for me to wait on God (duh!). Although I'm very familiar with Isaiah 40:28-31, as I view my goals for the coming year, I get in a "tizzy"! For those of you who don't understand, I get overwhelmed and anxious. On the one hand I get excited about accomplishing some goals, on the other, my mind works against my body and my body says, "I don't think so"! Before I know it, I have to slow down. My husband speaks of a phrase I need to remind myself of, "You can work smart or work hard". It means we should work hard, but not in vain. In vs 28, we're reminded that the Lord does not grow weary or faint and we don't know all He knows! We need to trust His all knowing wisdom. Vs 29 says that He gives power and increases strength. Vs 30-31 states that even young people become exhausted but that those who wait on the Lord get renewed strength and power. They will fly like an eagle, run and not grow weary,walk and not get tired. Wow! I need me some of that! Notice, as we wait for a while, then we go! He helps us and gives us direction. He works everything out for His glory and purposes (Romans 8:28). Please read Ephesians 1. This passage says it all! God bless you, and me, as we attempt to live for and glorify Him in this new year.