With Me

                                                                 

Several weeks ago, when the coming year was still being crowded out by the celebration of Christmas, I adopted my slow, methodical reflective posture.  Actually, it had begun the beginning of Advent when I returned to the previous year's Advent devotional.  Within the pages were my prayers and thoughts, worries and wonders of the closing weeks of 2021.  Rereading, brought up close and personal, a little of what had occupied my body and soul. 

A year later, the unknown days of 2022 are well-known, and I have sifted through some of what transpired.  In those early reflections I began to notice a negativity creeping in; a jaded and yes, anxious feeling towards the year ahead.  It would have been easy to allow this to continue.  It hasn't just been the past 365 days which have worn me.  For a number of years now, there have been copious amounts of grief, stresses, and an over all sense that life is hard.  And so I will allow myself at least the space to acknowledge this. 

Another reality is that I am getting older.  Surprise, surprise!!  Fifty-eight is not far away, and though the number does not bother me, the truth is that life, at this stage, brings with it increasing adversity, in various forms.  Gratefully, so much within my own life is wonderful; it's those near and dear to me facing suffering. This then has a rippling effect on my own life.  And there I am again, not feeling quite ready to embrace another year because after all, it's going to have its share of struggle.  

And what if????

As all of this was filtering through my spirit, the Spirit of God directing me to truths He knew I needed.

"Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him."  Psalm 105:4  

"My Presence will go with you..."  Exodus 33:24

"...for you are close beside me."  Psalm 23:4b

"Do not be afraid or discouraged for the LORD will personally go ahead of you.  He will be with you; he will never fail you nor abandon you."  Deuteronomy 31:8

"You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me."  Psalm 139:5

I am not walking into the new year alone!!  

My God goes "ahead of me",

 he is "with me", 

"beside me", 

"behind and before" me

his "hand upon me"!!

It doesn't get better than this, I thought.

And then it did.

Two days ago a friend was sharing God's work in her own soul and gifted me with this scripture:

"Do not call to mind the former things,

Or ponder things of the past.

Behold, 

I 

will 

do 

something 

new,

Now it will spring forth;

Will you not be aware of it?

I will ever make a roadway in the wilderness,

Rivers in the desert."

Isaiah 43:18,19

Though I have read these words countless times, they came to me fresh and overflowing with hope. These few words are overflowing with an abundance only God provides. 

I have no idea what the coming year holds.  I don't know what joy or sorrow, refreshment or weariness lies ahead. What I do know, is that I will not be alone. My God is with me.

"Enclosed behind and before...

God...Your hand upon me.

I am surrounded,

     'held' captive,

          trapped by God!

Oh, the comfort of being

covered in the security 

of the Sovereign."

Based on Psalm 139:5

Juanita

July 9,2007