2018 brought quite a few lessons on letting go and trusting God. With Clay in an interim job position, much of our year felt like just that — an “interim” or an “in between.” Inherent in such a season of transition is waiting.
Waiting is not my strong suit. As a major planner and type A control freak, I’m not one who thrives on change. I’m one who likes to get things done, cross things off my list, and not wait around for life’s circumstances to allow me to take action. And yet it’s through the very unexpected twists and turns and through the waiting that God has helped me to exercise the “muscle” of trusting Him.
We’ve had quite a few unexpected twists and turns beyond this one this year. And if I’m being completely honest, I’m still longing to better trust God in the midst of the unexpected and unplanned. But as Paul writes in Philippians 3:12, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Today is New Years Day. The words “resolutions” and “goals” mark this season. Each year I have begun the year with a list of goals and plans. This year I still have a list, but I am treating it differently. For it’s through the very lessons I’ve learned this last year that I actually realize more than ever how very little control I have over my goals and how very much control God has. The words of Proverbs 16:9 ring true–
“Man makes his plans, but the Lord directs His steps.”
And thus, as I transition year into a new year, I make Psalm 88:9b my cry–
“I call to you, O Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you.”
For I need to rely more on Him for my daily bread and less on myself and my grand plans.
Are you in a season of unexpected change?
Are you wondering what God is up to in your life?
Are you waiting for something—a husband, a family, a job, a dream to be realized, or healing to be had?
Would we allow ourselves to let go of clinging so tightly to our plans and open up our hands a bit more wide to trust God’s.
Not that we have obtained it, but we long to.
Not that we have achieved it, Lord, but we strive to.
Not that we have arrived there yet, but that You would bring us a little closer with each day.
Would we spread out our hands to Him—offering up our lives, our hearts, our hopes and dreams along with our fears and shortcomings–each day–that He may guide and direct the work He longs to do in and through us for His Kingdom purposes and for His glory.
And would these words be true of our lives today and every day throughout this year–
“I’m finally here at your feet again. Everything I am, reaching out I surrender.” – Hillsong, Touch the Sky
