January 2, 2014.
Really? Seems surreal to me. I’m finding the truth in what my grandmother says about time going faster the older you get. Seems like just yesterday I was anticipating 2013 and being a part of Holley Gerth’s God Size Dream Team. And here I sit, a year later, realizing I still don’t have a real understanding of what direction God is leading me.
It’s weird starting a new year with no real sense of direction. Yesterday I wrote in my journal, “I don’t have a One Word for this year. I don’t have a plan. I don’t have a clue.” I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’m bothered by this. It’s scary. But it’s also not scary.
I mentioned I’d be using Beth Moore’s Whispers of Hope for my quiet time study as I begin this new year. I started it yesterday and the reading was from Genesis 1 and Genesis 2.
In the beginning God …
Genesis 1:1
I underlined those four words in my brand new ESV Study Bible. As this year begins and I’m essentially clueless about what direction to go, I’m finding great comfort in those words — in the beginning God.
As 2014 begins, God.
As each day begins, God.
As each moment begins, God.
There is comfort in those truths. I don’t have to know the ending. I don’t even really have to know the next step. I just have to believe “in the beginning God” and trust Him to guide each moment of every day.
Maybe you’re facing 2014 with some trepidation. Perhaps the year ahead holds difficult situations. Whether it’s surgery for your child or searching for a job, whether you are facing financial uncertainties or trying to hold on to a marriage that is falling apart, you are not alone. As the year begins, as the day begins, as the moment begins — God is there.
I may end up with one word for 2014. I may find myself jotting down dreams and goals and sensing His purpose for this year tomorrow. But whether I do or whether I don’t, my deepest desire for this year is simple: to live in the reality of God’s presence every day, from beginning to end.
What is your desire for 2014?
Resources mentioned in this post:
{these are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you purchase through them}
One year I got my theme mid-January, even though it was there all along–I just didn’t get “the word” till a bit later. And you know, I was all set NOT to have a word this year, or a theme, other than “Hey! We have a whole lot of unknown ahead!” which is a silly theme even if it is the truth 😉
Well, life brings all sorts of crazy, doesn’t it? I suppose my theme for this year would be “I have no clue” which somehow doesn’t seem very comforting. 🙂
I haven’t sat down and wrote my one word post yet. If it makes you feel better, mine is a theme that has been on my heart for months now. I haven’t done the one word before, and it didn’t take long for this one to surface.
I can’t wait to read your post and learn about your theme, Wendy.
Sounds like a beautiful plan for the year!
He is the beginning AND the end, so good to remember at the end of everything (a presentation, a day, a sermon, etc……God)….leave it with Him, ask Him to use it, and to teach us through it.