A YEAR OF NEW BEGINNINGS
Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
It was good to see Jackie again. I haven’t seen her in several years so running into her at the store was a delight. Always upbeat and praising the Lord, she brightens any day. We chatted a few moments, catching up on the years, and when she turned to leave, she threw her hand in the air and proclaimed, “Remember, this is the year of new beginnings!� With a wave she was off, leaving me with words of hope that flooded my weary soul.
The year 2007 brought so many new beginnings that I could hardly keep up with them! God’s blessings were rich and full and provided new opportunities for growth and service, but still there were burdens that nearly overwhelmed me at times. One in particular that I thought I’d left behind was laid on me again and I felt myself slipping into the pit of grief, anxiety and despair.
The thought of new beginnings, of shedding those heavy burdens, of leaving them behind and moving forward with a new song in my mouth sparks a ray of hope and a note of joy. It reminds me that God is still on the throne, and that nothing can separate me from His love. A year of new beginnings . . . What a precious thought! It’s one I’ll cling to gladly.
Lord, lift me from the pit of despair and anxiety. Put my feet on the rock and help me to stand strong as a testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness so that many may see You and trust in You.
By Ann Shorb
Copyright Ann Shorb, 2008
