I WAS SO grateful for the weeks just prior to Christmas and the New Year when I was able to take some time away and visit with family and friends. The days were precious and rich, enabling me to relax and renew in body, mind and soul. God has this wonderful way of coming to his children with fresh strength and boundless energy just when we need it the most.
As 2019 quickly came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the year, savouring some of the highlights and simmering on some of the challenges. It was not difficult to recognise the hand of God, steady and firm in every situation, and the Holy Spirit’s nudging and encouraging voice all along the way.
In looking to 2020, my mind immediately went to our travel schedule and the extremely busy and demanding year that lay ahead. Added to these anxious thoughts were the challenging and disturbing news headlines that I had been reading on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. In that moment, I was keenly aware of my need to pray. But where to begin? Music was playing in the background and suddenly the words of a song became crystal clear in my head and my heart.
When I could not pray, God provided ‘The Prayer’, which you can watch and listen to here:
Along with the words of this song, came the familiar words of Isaiah 60:1-3 (The Voice):
Arise, shine, for your light has broken through! The Eternal One’s brilliance has dawned upon you. See truly; look carefully – darkness blankets the earth; people all over are cloaked in darkness. But God will rise and shine on you; the Eternal’s bright glory will shine on you, a light for all to see. Nations north and south, peoples east and west, will be drawn to your light, will find purpose and direction by your light. In the radiance of your rising, you will enlighten the leaders of nations.
Jesus – the Light – has come! We have been hoping for it, waiting on it and it has come! His light has shone on us and will shine in and must shine through us. How liberating is that? What I … what we need to do is embrace it, radiate it and release it. We need to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! Because when the light shines, darkness has to flee. Lord, let your light, the light of your face, shine on us, and shine through us!
Following God’s affirmation and inspiration, I have taken this prayer and promise into this new year with a renewed confidence and strength that my God has all things in his hands and will not forsake his people. And I would ask that you pray that the light we hold in our hearts will be a beacon, guiding others to the safety of God’s love and grace. So, in 2020, let this be our prayer!
I’m anticipating an AMAZING year, and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do! Bring it on!