Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
If given the choice to know what the year ahead of us will hold or let it all remain a mystery to day-by-day unfold, most of us would probably choose to know. Mystery breeds uncertainty. Uncertainty often causes us to grasp for control. But what if the mysteries and uncertainties of life were actually meant to compel us to call on God? To propel us to reach out to Him. To lean into Him. To surrender to Him and linger with Him.
The fact that God invites us to call to Him is our assurance that He listens to us. And not only does He listen to our questions, doubts, dreams, desires, and concerns, but He also answers us!
At the start of this new year, may you feel peace knowing that every uncertainty ahead is an opportunity to trust your loving God. May you resist the pressure and temptation to sprint ahead of God’s plans and fill up a blank calendar with lofty resolutions and appointments that will stretch you thin. May you remember that you are more than any goal met, any resolution kept, any to-do list checked. You are known by God. His child to whom He turns His ear.
You are loved just as you are.
May you find rest in that truth.
A prayer for 2024:
Lord, there is so much ahead of us that we can’t foresee, so much we wish we could control but can’t. We hold all our questions, desires, and longings out to You. We want to trust You, but we acknowledge that we need help with that sometimes. Help us remember who we are, through the lens and truth of who You are. Thank You that we can be anchored in faith when we are tethered to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Such great advice on January 1! I often allow myself to be controlled by the “tyranny of the task list”!
Amen! Our January calendar is cluttered with appointments for tests & awaited results for a number of folks we know & love. We’ve been praying for clear & easy results yet we are now challenged to pray for deeper trust in the One who holds & knows it all! The uncertainty is opportunity for growth not just miracles granted. Blessings (((0)))
The beginning of this year holds much uncertainty for my 2 older sisters. One facing as yet undiagnosed health issues, and the other job loss as the place she worked closed closed Dec.29. As a family we are supporting them, yet I trust God with all the known before us.
Blessings to all of you who have assisted me through many difficult times in 2023. The sharing of your own experiences and trials has brought hope and joy to me everyday.
May 2024 bring us all closer to Jesus especially when our path is crooked.
My word for 2024 is trust. What a wonderful devotion to start the year with encouragement and hope.
NEW YEARS DECLARATIONS!
God IS GOOD!
God’s Timing is PERFECT!
Jesus IS KING!
Jesus is Lord!
Jesus IS GOD!
God IS in control!
Jesus Loves Me! (He Loves you to)
Jesus IS COMING BACK!
God is a GOOD Father!
God takes care of me and Provides for me!
I Belong to God!
Jesus is my Shepherd!
Jesus helps the helpless!
God works ALL THINGS together for Good!
God gives Good and Perfect Gifts!
God Defends me!
God is THE BEST Teacher!
God’s plans are BETTER than my plans!
God NEVER makes mistakes!
Jesus is Constant and Consistent; He does NOT change!
God Listens!
God knows the End from the Beginning!
God keeps His Promises!
God is my Author and THE BEST Author!
In Courage,
The fact that God invites us to call to Him is our assurance that He listens to us. And not only does He listen to our questions, doubts, dreams, desires, and concerns, but He also answers us! I can attest to that. Oct. 2021 I began praying for a full-time position. God heard me & in Dec. 2021 he changed my job from part-time to full-time benefitted. Last fall the duties changed suddenly & I became depressed. Still I trusted God & prayed for a change. Last Friday I was offered a more clerical position with the same department. God does answer our prayers. We must wait on His timing.
Blessings 🙂