Psalm 27:13-14 NIV – I remain confident of this: I will see – Bible Gateway https://share.google/aCodd7f6bhPbmG8nD

Waiting on the Lord is very hard in our own strength! The Lord is working in each of His Children’s life to sanctify us and make us like Him. Having Earthly riches and comfort is not the only way we see God’s goodness. The Psalmist expressed the faith that he would see God in the land of the living. Even Job proclaimed that he would see God’s goodness when he died (Job 19:26-27).

The goodness of Jesus is seen most definitely in a close relationship with Him!The Lord has a plan for each of us, as Tauren Wells sang about in “God’s Not Done With You.” Phillipians 1:6 mentions that what He starts a good work in us, He will not abandon us.

The knowledge that He is walking close to us should give us inspiration to continue on. When Paul stated that he had been faithful in the tasks Christ had given him, he then went on to share how he would get a crown of glory (2 Timothy 4).  That is an encouragement to persevere, to walk tightly with Christ in the Spirit’s guiding.

I want to close this devotional with wishing  everyone a Happy New Year!  I know, personally, I am asking God to enable me to not give up.  It is not the time to give up, since He has not forsaken us!  We are His workmanship, cherished very much! We are meant to reflect Him. Let us let Him complete His work in us!

 

Genesis 50:20 NIV – You intended to harm me, but God – Bible Gateway https://share.google/tKIOv41WBUrTudV7m

As Joseph shared with his brothers, it appeared as if their actions had taken the upper hand.  Instead, God used his enslavement in Egypt to enable the Children of Israel to get some relief. God had Joseph in the right area to be used by Him.  It didn’t happen overnight, but in the timing of the Lord.

It is like Rebecca St James sang about; God makes all things beautiful (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  This passage in Ecclesiastes reminds us to trust in God’s planning, and to not trust in our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). After all, our Heavenly Father is the only one who knows what should take place in individuals’ lives.

If we learn to accept what occurs in life, we will avoid depression and disappointment.  We will be more grateful that He is in charge, more accepting of what we see taking place. All things work out for the best for those who are His (Romans 8:28).

This week, let us do what the Psalmist encouraged.  Psalm 34:8 encourages people to try God.  We need to respect and honor Him.  When we taste what God is like, we truly will say that He is good! Psalm 19:10 and Psalm 119:103 share how priceless God is (more sweeter than honey, and more costly than gold). Let us go through life knowing He is so beautiful!

Micah 5:4-5 NIV – He will stand and shepherd his flock in – Bible Gateway https://share.google/ieZCm9GmVBC7oAxaA

Micah 5:4-5, and Desperate by Jamie MacDonald, highlight the aspect of Jesus being His people’s shepherd. Yes, He has kept Israel throughout the ages and will bring peace in the future. We can be assured of this!

Romans 11 shares with us the concept of not only the Jewish believers being blessed and saved; but now, Gentiles are sharing in the grace of Jesus.  We are able to rejoice with the Jews that we are part of the olive tree.  We are all part of the olive tree, and are being nourished by the root system… the root system represents Christ.

It brings peace to know that He provides nourishment and peace for His flock (Isaiah 40:11-16, Psalm 23)!  I am so grateful that God sent His Son to bring peace to anyone who will accept Him (John 3:16)! That must have been glorious hearing the angels announce the Christ-Child’s birth, Luke 2:14)!

This Season may we walk in the knowledge of how much God loves us, and that we have a reason for hope and peace.  Isn’t it glorious to know that no matter what we are facing, the Shepherd is carrying us?

Psalm 90:12 NIV – Teach us to number our days, that we – Bible Gateway https://share.google/mu5itlgfykRRMvTJ2

Psalm 90:12 and Ann Wilson’s song, Strong, spoke to me about an issue we all face in growing older. Sometimes as the years go by, we will catch ourselves regretting decisions we made or not venturing out when we should have. Many times, we will wonder if we have the strength to make the right decisions in carrying on in life.

In verse 19 of Psalm 90, the Psalmist was calling upon God for strength to be able to remember to value the days the Creator has given.  When this is done, it will help us in not living foolishly.  Calling upon the Spirit’s guidance each day, that will give us the stability in life.

Anne Wilson’s song highlighted the idea of giving ourselves to God, and not acting like we have the strength in ourselves alone.  We need to find ourselves on our knees with our hands lifted high.  The simple act of acknowledging our need for the Spirit opens us up for His filling.

Another point I wanted to talk about, is the act of communicating to other Brothers and Sisters in Christ our weaknesses. James 5:16 encourages us to share with each other when we need healing.  It can not only be in reference to physical sicknesses, but also emotional and spiritual illness. When we do this, it will enable the Body of Christ to give aid to each other. I pray this week we will place each day before God’s feet, and that we will see His hand move in our lives apart from ours.