“Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)Preparing my mind and heart today to stop and plan for the new year. Dry and weak, I read a devotion this morning that came across in my junk mail. Oh no! Those dreaded uncontrolled tears began to roll. “I too felt more hollow than hopeful….I was road weary from a long and exhausting years end…my heart is bankrupt by the barrage of life.” Yes, yes, and yes!
How would I move into the “planning” stage that comes with my New Year, I couldn’t put a single thought together? I’m so exhausted and my thoughts are jumbled. Immediately Jesus reminded me that He was poured out so that I could be filled up.
I began to dwell on Jesus. His love for me, His characteristics. His work when He was on earth. I remembered my prayer request yesterday: that my soul would be captivated by Him! I will be exhausted as I dwell on me and the areas of my life that weigh heavy on my heart. I am exhausting! He is never exhausted.
Yes, on this side of heaven there will always be “to do” lists. Visions to cast, goals to set, work and tasks, gospel stories to tell. But right now I am looking at Him and His story and my little role in it is shrinking in the shadow of His extravagant story. My heart just skipped a beat; that joy beat; the one that takes your breath in a moment of excitement.
Hopes, plans, ideas for the new year will start to pour out of an overflow of Him! He is doing a new thing in my heart, making streams in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (And these silly uncontrolled tears running down my face, are the perfect physical and tangible illustration to remind me: I am a desert HE is the stream!) A Happy “Hopey” New Year!
A beautiful perspective on the new year!
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Yes my friend “Hopey” New Year! His grace is the thing that will keep you dwelling on and in Him! Thankful for the open insight to your struggles and victories through Jesus. Love what you are doing.
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