If I had to choose a theme song for my life in 2011, it would be “Grateful” by Hezekiah Walker. Nothing else quite sums up the overflowing thankfulness and joy that I feel. 2011 has been a stellar year for me–and for many others I know–and it’s all because and only because of God’s faithful love and grace and mercy.
The Lord never ceases to amaze me. I could wax on and on about the answered prayers, special favor, breakthroughs, protection, mercy and abounding goodness that is His signature on my life; evidence of His gracious hand that is upon me for blessing and against my adversary for judgment. But, more than the outward manifestations, I’m most grateful because I KNOW the Lord loves me. Not because I’ve earned it in any shape or form, because I could never do enough to deserve it, but because He IS GOOD, and He IS LOVE.
“…for God is love. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love” (1 John 4:8, 16, NLT).
Because the Scripture reveals God’s love for us again and again, we must choose to believe the love. That means in good times and not so good times. Maybe you’re reading this now and facing some tough situations, dire outlooks or just recalling how 2011 has been a tough one on your end. But the good news is that God’s love isn’t perceived based on your circumstances, but in spite of them! Taking the focus off of your problems and putting it on God’s love, His promises to you and His faithfulness to be whatever you need Him to be is what will propel you forward. After all, your circumstances are TEMPORARY, but God’s love is ETERNAL.
“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NLT).
As we close out 2011 and prepare to enter 2012, now is the perfect time to fix your gaze on the eternity of God’s love for you and towards you. Thank Him for His goodness in your life so far and stir your heart to receive more of it in the year ahead. Believe His love.
God’s best is still ahead…and I’m so grateful that I can walk it out hand-in-hand with Him, resting in His love.
Happy New Year! May 2012 be your best year yet!