New Years, Blank Slates

Happy New Years!

Courtesy of Flickr: here

New years mean blank slates for new plans, and since I'm full of good ideas and big plans, someone better reign this girl in.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

There are some specific plans I'm praying about this year- some big steps I want to take. Normally, I would be in a hurry to figure out how I would make my plans happen, while praying for wisdom. But today I find myself praying, "Lord whatever you will". I'm still praying for wisdom, but I'm slowing down to submit to His will. His plans are what I want, because one thing God taught me in 2011 is His plans are the best for me. Last year was one of the hardest, but best years I can remember. It was marked by loss, a lack of security, and instability. Those moments will cause you to cling to and find shelter in the arms of Him. It was a full year. I want 2012 to be as full as 2011. Without Him, it won't be. I'm dependent solely on what He wants because I literally can not make my plans happen in my flesh. I may be able to create some version of what I want, but what I really want is God's will. I've walked in my flesh. I know what my life looks like in that sphere, and I don't care for it. When I'm in His will, walking according to the Spirit, life is sweet for better or worse.

 And so I wait with anticipation.

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation (Psalm 5:3).

Maybe 2011 was full of nothing more than heartache for you. I'm sorry. My prayers are for you today- prayers for Hope as you start 2012.

In His Name,
Jennifer