Reflections and Hopes for a New Year

By Karen Rich | January 3, 2022

Ephesians 3:17 TPT  Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.

As 2021 comes to a close and 2022 begins, I find it helpful to reflect over the previous year and think about my hopes for the coming year.  A year ago at this time, these were the desires of my heart:

• Place my confidence in the character of God, not the clarity of the path before me.
• Trust God with the world, those that I love, my own needs.
• Surrender my will/give up personal control.
• Accept this is a step by step ongoing process/daily bread
• Renounce self-determination/self-effort

Throughout 2021, God has showed me situations I tried to control where I didn’t even realize it.  Although the outcome I was aiming for was worthy, my efforts were fruitless.  In some cases, I actually impeded the very outcome I desired.  He is calling me to let go and trust Him with the things that matter most to me in this world – my marriage, my family, and my church.  He showed me that my ability to control my circumstances or the circumstances of those I love is an illusion and that as much as I want to “fix it”, I can’t.

I believe He is leading me to a new way.  As I read the Bible throughout the past year, the following scriptures stood out to me.  I continue to ponder them in hopes they will permeate my soul.

Psalm 46:10a TPT   Surrender your anxiety.  Be still and realize that I am God.

Isaiah 30:18b NLT   For the Lord is a faithful God.  Blessed are those who wait for his help.

Isaiah 30:15 MSG   Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.

Matthew 5:4 TPT    What delight comes to you when you wait upon the Lord!  For you will find what you long for.  

Philippians 4:19 MSG   You can be sure that God alone will take care of everything you need.

Psalm 27:14 NLT    Be brave and courageous.  Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Prayer:  Father God, You are the very source and root of my life.  Continue to deepen my understanding of who You are enabling me to let go and trust You in all things.  Empty me of my desire to “fix it” for myself and others.  You are teaching me that waiting on You, depending on You, and surrendering my anxieties, hopes, and dreams will bring the peace and strength I seek for myself and others.  As I am transformed into your likeness may my life bear your fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control.  In the name of your precious Son I pray, amen.

Lisa Brown

Posted in Daily Advent Devotional, Focus on Faith Weekly Devotional