New Thing

 

2021 is almost over.  I am certain that there are many responding to that statement with, “Thank Goodness.”  It has been another difficult year, filled with tough decisions, unfortunate circumstances, and trying times.  It is hard to shake off times that have frustrated us or made us sad.  Those feelings can be a result of loss, such as loss of a job or even loss of a loved one.  Those feelings can also be a result of us not being able to do things as we used to do.  For example, we may need to think twice about booking a vacation, wondering if we will be able to travel freely in a foreign country due to COVID.  It can also be something more day to day, such as thinking about putting on a mask before entering a store or bringing a vaccine card with us to enter a restaurant.  Many wonder, are the old days ever coming back?

Today’s verse has us focusing on God’s message to the Israelites, promising them deliverance into a new path for them.  God was making things new for them – as He does for us.  I believe verse 18 of Isaiah 43 is just as important as verse 19.

There God shares, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

That is so hard to do.  It is difficult to forget the past or the things that once were.  We may have enjoyed different things from the past, only to have new ways in front of us that may not be as comfortable or resonate with us.  It is during these times that God should be front and center in our lives.  He was with us in the past.  He knows how we felt during the past.  Yet ahead is the new – and God isn’t just going to be there for the new, He is creating the pathway for us.  Through his divine power, our lives will be full and will have just what God wants us to have.

We may look at the new path and say, “Nope, not for me.  I’d like to go back please!”  The new way, though, is God’s way and that will never leave us empty.  God’s path will bring us on the journey we need to be on.  As the verse states, He will create rivers in dry wastelands – He will create something out of desertedness.  He can always give us more out of loss, more out of frustration, more out of trying times.  When we persevere through those times with God, we always see a brighter sunshine ahead of us.

During 2022, let’s resolve to leave 2021 behind us and get excited for the newness that God will bring into our lives in 2022.  May our focus be on the new path ahead of us, forgetting what we need to forget from 2021 and living in the newly created river of 2022.  Blessings for the New Year!

Heavenly Father, thank you for creating the new path forward for us.  May we leave the old behind and be blessed with your mercy and love in 2022.

Peace in Fear

 

It is hard to believe that in a few short days we will be celebrating Christmas.  Once again, it seems to have come upon us all too quickly.  We have walked through the Christmas story this Advent, exploring how it has provided us insight not to be afraid.  Whether it was Zechariah, Mary, or the shepherds, in Luke we found the words, “Don’t be afraid” surrounding the birth of Jesus.  Today, I move to Mark when Jesus, himself, states the words, “Don’t be afraid.”

In this context, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as he walks on water to the boat where the waves are tossing the disciples’ boat.  As they saw Jesus walking on the water, they cried out in fear.  Yet, Jesus calmed them and stated the words, ‘Don’t be afraid.’  That brought such peace that Peter was willing to step out of the boat onto the water and began walking towards Jesus. 

There have been many times in my life when I was afraid.  There were times when it was a physical nature, such as zip lining through the forest of Costa Rica or white-water rafting.  There were other times when I was fearful for health reasons, either my own journey with cancer or when others I loved were sick.  Other times, it was when I needed to step into a new chapter of my life, either a new job or a new relationship.  Just as the disciples on the boat, I was afraid.  It is in those moments that I needed to hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid.”

Oh, to be a disciple in that boat and be able to hear Jesus’ words directly!  How wonderful would it be to see Him walking in the horizon when I was fearful and have him utter those words!  Although Jesus may not be physically in front of me, His words ring loud and clear in the Bible.  His words come to life as I read them, impacting me in the way Jesus’ words impacted the disciples.

Jesus’ words of comfort in not being afraid brought the disciples peace.  They also bring me peace.  When I am troubled and afraid, Jesus’ words of not being afraid brings me the peace that I need.  The peace to move forward.  The peace to step out of the boat into Jesus’ hands.  The peace that passes all understanding.

How fitting that the fourth Advent candle is one of Peace!  Reflecting over the past three Sundays of Advent, we saw the candles represented in our ability not to fear.  The first candle is one of hope – prayer providing us hope.  The second candle is one of love – God displaying His love for Mary and us.  The third candle is one of joy – the joy of all the blessings God provides.  The fourth candle of peace – the peace we are afforded when Jesus utters the words, “Do not be afraid.”  I pray this Advent season has brought you the hope, love, joy, and peace you needed.  May you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas!

Dearest Jesus, your birth and life have taught us so much on why we should not be afraid.  When our lives get the better of us, please turn us towards you, Jesus, and may we hear your words, “Don’t be afraid.”  In your love, Amen.

 

Don't Fear Blessings

 

I cannot imagine being one of the shepherds who saw the angel appear to bring the good news of Jesus’ birth.  Shepherds who were out doing their job when an angel and the angelic hosts shared the news that all would be saved.  As we have walked through the Christmas story of Luke, we once again see a time when an angel proclaims the words, “Do not be afraid.” 

We saw Zechariah’s prayers being answered so late in life when he could have been afraid of what would be ahead for Elizabeth and him.  We saw Mary receiving God’s greatest gift, wondering why she was chosen, but the angel explaining she had found favor with God.  This week, we find ourselves with the shepherds, herding sheep, and being the first to hear of the great news of Jesus’ birth.  Do not fear good news!

Have you found yourself in that situation?  The Lord blesses you with some wonderful news that you may even fear?  You receive great blessings, and you wonder, “Why me?”  Something happens that you did not expect, and you say, “This can’t be meant for me?” Have you have even used the words, “This is too good to be true!”  I know I have found myself in these situations, almost afraid that the goodness that was bestowed upon me was not meant for me.  I have questioned God about the blessings He has shared with me, afraid that they would be taken away.  Have you ever found yourself in the same situation?

When our Lord blesses our lives, we should not be afraid of the goodness He gives to us.  We should rejoice in His name the bounty that He provides.  All good things come from God.   We should not be afraid to receive God’s blessings.  He loves us and cherishes us.  He knows exactly what we need when we need it.  He provided our Lord and Savior Jesus on that night in Bethlehem – sharing with the shepherds the greatest gift of all.  That wonderful night, the angels once again brought good news that was meant to be shared throughout the land. 

When blessings come our way, we should not question them.  We should not be saying, “Why me?” or “Are you sure this wasn’t meant for someone else?”  God has given to us what we needed, and our response should not be one of fear or disbelief, but one of joy and thanksgiving.  God never comes to us in fear, He comes to us in love.

When a blessing is bestowed, think back upon the greatest blessing we have received, our Savior Jesus.  During this Advent season, let us not be afraid to pray fervently, let us not be afraid to know that God has found favor with us, and may we never be afraid of the blessings God has given to us.   May we rejoice to God and thank Him always for His gifts – especially the gift of Jesus!

Heavenly Father, may we never be afraid to accept the gifts you so graciously give to us.  Let us cherish all that you provide, giving thanks and praise!  During this Advent, may we be reminded that you never come in fear, but you come in love.  Let us bask in the sunshine of that love each day.  Amen!

Favor with God

Happy Advent!  Did you know that the phrase, “Do not be afraid” is used in the Bible 365 times?  It must be a phrase that God wants to ensure hits home – at least every day!  There are many things in this life that can scare us – snakes, dogs, spiders, the dark, etc.  There are also very personal things that can scare us – the fear of being alone, the fear of imperfection, the fear of failure, the fear of dying.  Whether the fear is an extrinsic or intrinsic fear, it is real for the person dealing with it.  It is not easy dealing with fear. 

If we put ourselves in Mary’s position, we can appreciate why she would be fearful.  To be visited by an angel and then be told you are going to be the mother of Jesus who will save the world?  That is a tall order.  My fear of going to the dentist seems trivial compared to Mary’s fear.  The words addressing Mary’s fear are, to me, some of the most powerful in the Bible, “you have found favor with God.”

Favor with God!  What does that mean?  Is Mary God’s favorite?  Is she going to receive special treatment?   What does it mean to have God’s favor?  Through some research, I have come to understand that God’s favor can mean God extending His divine kindness, understanding and grace to us who do not deserve it.  God’s choice in Mary may come from God’s desire to have Jesus’ journey begin in the humblest of ways, someone who was devout to God and knew the meaning of grace.

The question becomes, can we find favor with God?  Can we experience God’s favor?  The answer is yes!  We receive God’s goodness and grace every day.  His favor falls down on us when we believe in Him, just believe.  Earning God’s favor is impossible.  There is nothing we can do, no matter how great, where we should expect to have his kindness, understanding and grace.  In Ephesians 2:8, Paul clearly shares for us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God.” 

God’s favor on us comes from our faith in Him!  All we can offer God is our faith and love.  Thank goodness that is all He asks of us.  In return His favor – His love, kindness, and grace – flows from Him.  I know I can use all of what God can offer in my life.  My need for forgiveness is real and His grace and mercy provides that forgiveness.  Remember, God values YOU, he favors YOU!  We are children of God!  That certainly brings joy to my heart.  I pray it does the same for you!

Heavenly Father, thank you for finding favor with me!  Your divine grace and mercy are with me each day.  My earthly works could never be enough to gain your favor, but through your grace, I am a child of God.  Thank you!  Amen.