Verse For 2022~~~ Isaiah 26:3

 I’m not sure how or when it came to me, but somewhere in the past couple of weeks I knew that my word for the year would be ‘Trust’.  What else could it be? This past year has definitely been a reminder to me that the only way to get through each day is to trust in God. This world and our lives are in his hands, so what else can we do but to trust that he has a plan in everything we go through? 

As I contemplated what I should write today, I was reminded of something I learned shortly after I came to know Jesus as my Saviour back in 1985. We’d begun home schooling out kids and in one of Dana’s Bible study books the lesson was on the account of Joseph’s life in Genesis. I think I may have gotten more out of that lesson than Dana did! It made such an impression on me as a baby Christian that years later I included it in my book. 

Who would have thought that God had a part in Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery? I’m sure when he was going through it all, even Joseph didn’t understand why all these things were happening to him, but he remained faithful to God nonetheless. It took many years before God’s plan became evident, but in Genesis 45:8a Joseph tells his brothers, “so, now it was not you that sent me hither, but God:” God had a plan for Joseph’s life, even though it meant he would have to endure pain and suffering. It’s so comforting to know that no matter how confusing, or how difficult the circumstances of my life may be, God is in control. 

I also read a quote from Charles Spurgeon’s message, A Happy Christian.

“And you, friend, when you are in good full work, and wages are high, and the house is well-furnished, and the cupboard is full, it is very easy then for you to kneel down at family-prayer and thank God for his kindness; but how about it when the husband is sick, when the funds have got very low, and when the little children look at their father wondering where the next meal will come from — to be satisfied even then that it is all right! Oh this is a grand thing! This is just the mark of difference between the Christian and the worldling. The worldling blesses God while he gives him plenty, but the Christian blesses him when he smites him: he believes him to be too wise to err and too good to be unkind; he trusts him where he cannot trace him, looks up to him in the darkest hour, and believes that all is well. O Christian, if your heart is right, you will understand this spiritual satisfaction, and your soul will be satisfied in times of drought.”

As I thought about these things, I came across this verse that seems to best portray what I want my focus to be in the coming year:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

There’s also a song based on Spurgeon’s words. It’s been a favourite for years, so I thought I’d include it.

Trust His Heart

https://youtu.be/XWk8DRwDYDc 

Reflecting On 2021

Continuing my yearly tradition of looking back over the past year.

 1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?

The highlight of the year was the birth of our granddaughter, Emilia. Another highlight was Jeremy moving back to Manitoba and starting work at a gold mine in Snow Lake.

Reconnecting with old friends through our fundraisers was a highlight…as well as meeting new people. Aside form those there weren’t a lot of highlights this year!

2. What were the major themes of the past year?

Illness seemed to be the theme of the year…covid in January, then Emberley’s leukemia diagnosis in March and continuing treatment, illnesses and hospitalization have taken up the year. 

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

No personal regrets, but the whole year has been disappointing….disappointing circumstances, disappointing relationships.

4. What was missing from the past year?

That’s a hard question. I guess I’m missing just having a normal life, one where I don’t have a granddaughter with cancer.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

You learn a lot when you have a crisis in your life. Most important is that with God we can get through anything. Second..life can change in a moment, we have no guarantee of tomorrow, so don’t take anything for granted. Third, you learn a lot about who you can count on and unfortunately, who you can’t. Covid had already revealed the true nature and character of many. But when our granddaughter was diagnosed with Leukemia some of the people I thought would be there to support us, encourage us and just be there to talk….or listen, were nowhere to be found. But at the same time, people I never would have thought of stepped up and stood in that gap…some were old friends, some just acquaintances and many were complete strangers. Until you go through something like this you don’t realize just how much a kind word can help. A phone call, a text message, a face book comment or even just a virtual hug and praying hands mean so much. 

I hope I’ve learned to be that kind of person for others as well. I’ve never been good at knowing what to say to someone going through a rough time, but I’ve realized it doesn’t really matter what you say. It’s just taking the time to show that you care that makes all the difference. Years ago I wrote a song that speaks of this very thing.

Words Fitly Spoken

When you see someone that's hurting, do you say, 

“Friend, come let’s pray,”
and do you share their burden, and brighten up their day?
Do you give them some comfort, as the word of God you share,
or do you ease their heartache, by showing that you care?

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

When a loved one who’s estranged seems to be 
weighing on your heart,
don’t let the moment pass by; just call or send that card.
You’ll quickly mend some fences when you take that step of faith,
for there’s no wound or chasm too deep for God’s great grace.

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding 

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

When a long forgotten friend suddenly comes into your mind,
don’t push that thought aside; don’t say I’ll waste my time.
A friendly hand extended may just help someone in need,
so kindle an old friendship, and allow the Lord to lead.

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding 

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

We can make a difference with a few words fitly spoken.

~~~

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Philippians 2:1,2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

A new year is about to begin and although I’m praying it will be better than this year has been, I know that whatever comes, God is in control and He’s already there waiting to walk us through whatever lies ahead.