Friends
Happy New Year! Praying the blessings of love, joy,peace, and hope over you as we begin a new year together. I am thankful for you!
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“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.”
Psalm 138:7 – NIV
I can still see those little fingers clutching that wooden slat so tightly, his tiny tennis shoe raised high in the air in a desperate attempt to reach the first step of the ladder. My ears can still recall the determined grunt that emerged from his slender frame as he worked so hard to pull himself upward.
The task before him was hard, maybe a little too hard, but my son Jonathan was not deterred. He was bound and determined to climb that wooden ladder, his sight set on the wide platform that loomed above. There was a prize at the end of that climb, the big, yellow slide that he absolutely adored.
Not only was he determined to reach the planks of his swingset platform, but he also was adamant that he didn’t want my help. He wanted to do it himself. “I do it, Mama!”
The wrungs of that ladder were a stretch for his two-year-old frame, but there was no use in trying to convince him of that fact. That strong-willed little fellow knew what he wanted, and by golly, he was going to do it. I had to admire his tenacity, recognizing a character trait no doubt inherited from both sides of his genetic pool. With a grin of amusement, I leaned back away from him, allowing him unfettered movement while never dropping my raised hands just in case he stumbled. I was ready to catch him if he needed me, but my motherly instincts told me that it was important to let him make his own way. I never took my eyes off him or lowered my hands. I was waiting in the wings, watching him work, cheering him on, while never leaving his side.
My motherly restraint was worthwhile, because when Jonathan mastered those steps and reached his swingset summit, the look of triumph in his little cherub face was priceless. His big brown eyes were shining brightly as he stood tall, puffed out his little chest, and bellowed, “I did it!” The mile-wide grin that spread across his face matched my own as I exclaimed with delight, “Yes,You did!”
Jonathan was so proud of himself, and I was so proud of him. There was unbridled joy in my heart as I stared into his beaming face. He had triumphed over his challenge. He had not given up, even when it was hard, even when the path before him was steep and uncertain. He had set a goal and persevered. Right there before my eyes, he was growing, developing new skills, mastering his environment, and I was thrilled for him.
Is that how our Heavenly Father feels as He watches us grow and mature? Is He clapping His hands as He sees us accomplish some long sought-after goal? Does He beam with pride when He sees us make the right choice or perform an act of kindness? Is He there by our side when adversity strikes, eyes focused, hands poised to catch us lest we fall? Does he hover near, ready to help and encourage, hoping that we will cast a glance His way?
In light of the promise of Psalm 32:8, the answer to these questions is a resounding “Yes!” “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8, NLT). Yes, God is watching over us. He is ready and willing, ever-present, fully prepared to guide us on the best pathway for our lives. As we turn to Him in prayer, He sends His Spirit to advise us on the best course of action. Day or night, in trouble or in triumph, God watches over us.
All those years ago, while Jonathan was persistently making his way forward, I was watching over him. I was willing to help, ready to encourage, excited to share his joy. Today, at the start of a new year, that backyard memory is reminding me that God is hovering near me, eyes focused on my frame, hands poised to help. God is continually working for my good (Romans 8:28).He is steadily guiding me, cheering me on as I make my way forward. He has a good plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11), and nothing can separate me from His love (Romans 8:38-39). No matter my faults or failures, I am forever His precious child, and He rejoices over me (Ephesians 2:10).
Friends, hear this good news. God is watching over you. He is with you, and for you, and nothing can stand against. No matter what obstacles you may face on the road ahead, The Lord is there to guide you, to see you through it, to show you the way to go. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” (James 4:8, NKJV).
As we begin this new year, are you filled with joy, renewed by hope? Are you excited for a fresh start? Then draw near to God, and let Him share your joy. Maybe this new year finds you troubled, weighed down by worry. Are you discouraged? Grieving? Fearful? Draw near to Him.. Wherever you are, whatever you face, draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Be strengthened. Be encouraged. Have hope! God will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
It’s a new year, a fresh start, a clean slate. Will you walk with me into 2025, renewed and refreshed by the reassurance that God is with us, and for us, continually watching over us, today, tomorrow, and always? And to that, I say, Amen!
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“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8 – NIV
PRAYER
O Loving Father, how great is Your faithfulness, how wondrous is Your love for us. You watch over us continually, hands poised to help, eyes focused on our needs. As we enter a new year, help us to lean into Your love and rest in Your comforting presence. Meet us wherever we are, and show us the way forward. All glory, honor, majesty, and praise to You, O Lord!
In the Ever-present Name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen
New Year’s Blessings,
Anita
-APS 1/6/2025
Faith Beyond Sight 