Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Taking the time and space to reflect on the beautiful mix of life that God allows is a great exercise. However, it’s easy to get discouraged when we feel the only answers to our prayers are “no, not yet,” or “I have something else in mind for you.”
“What are you thankful for?” can be challenging to answer, especially during seasons of unwanted changes, loss, brokenness, consequences, and health issues. To be honest, there have been moments when I thought, “God has forgotten me.” I’ve experienced anger, and my faith has been challenged.
But knowing that God notices and cares for each of us has been a lifeline for me.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
In my humanness, I fixate on the negatives. I am torn between, “it’s all about me” and blaming them!
In the Spirit, my eyes are opened to the bigger picture. In surrender to God’s will for me each day, I can see him at work. I focus more on the positives and can see the prayers that were answered with life-giving hope and resurrection.
It can be difficult to find thankfulness in the grip of challenges, but that’s when it becomes vital to sacrifice the time and space to look for it.
Psalm 50:14
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
During my year-end reflection, God, in grace, brings me gently back to him. He helps me see where he sprinkled joy, love, and hope throughout the year—in a song, a kind gesture, or an opportunity to serve. This year, I’ve had conversations that wouldn’t have taken place and relationships that wouldn’t have been renewed, some strengthened, without my challenges.
I have found that when I focus on the whole and not just the bad parts, I can see where God is in the beautiful mix. He is bigger than any challenges, stronger than any anger, and more loving than anything else I’ve ever known. He allows a balance of good and bad so that we can be grown, pruned, and renewed. He knows me, and he loves me.
He loves you too! When challenges come, it’s more important than ever to cling to your faith and the promises God offers.
Questions:
What are you thankful for? What challenges have you faced? How has God been at work in those challenges?
Next Steps:
Take a moment to thank God for the beautiful mix of challenge and faith in your life. Find a passage in the Bible that will help you surrender to God’s will and speak to the hope you have for this coming year.
Prayer:
God, I thank you for a faith that allows the ups and downs that life will bring. I pray the new year will provide me with more opportunities to serve you. God, help me always see you in the mix of everything going on around me, in me, and through me. You are bigger, stronger, and more powerful than anything that comes my way. I praise you and love you! In the name of Jesus, amen.
This post was written by Julie Estep, a regular contributor of the LivingItOut.