So I tried a new thing over the holidays. I wanted to get my nails done and asked to try the dip powder I had recently heard about.
I went in with excitement because it was new to me and I was eager to see what it would look like. But as soon as the process began, I doubted my decision. Buffing of my nails felt weird. My nails hadn’t been shaped and yet they were being dipped in a powder. I was tense to say the least.
But my nail technician was friendly and working with precision. I finally decided to just relax and wait before jumping to conclusions.
A half-hour later, I had a close look at my nails and I was incredibly pleased with what I saw. It was shaped to my liking, I loved the color, and it was going to last for a few weeks.
This made me think about how many of us approach a new year. Many of us go in with big plans and lots of excitement. Yet, just a few short weeks or months into the year, when we come across an unknown, we question our plans and wonder if we’re making a mistake to the point where we are tempted to just abandon them.
When we read about Abraham in Genesis, he left his homeland in obedience to God. How exciting it must have been for him to follow God at His word. Yet, I wonder if Abraham second-guessed his decision going somewhere unknown coupled with the fact that there many so traveling with him that there was arguing and unpleasantries. But Abraham trusted God and moved ahead in this journey which led to a blessed life. His story didn’t stop there as later God told him that he would be a father. How exciting … but Abraham continued to age and there was no child. We read, “… Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.” (Hebrews 6:15 NLT)
At the same time, there are many of us lacking in enthusiasm altogether for 2021 thanks to 2020. Isaiah prophetically addressed the Israelites who were steeped in discouragement and defeat after captivity and exile in Isaiah 43:19 (NLT):
“For I am about to do something new
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Wherever you find yourself at the onset of this new year, here are some key reminders from God’s Word:
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him;” (Psalm 37:7 ESV)
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMPC)
“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC)
May 2021 overflow with the presence, peace, and provision of the Lord!
~Joyce
Photo Credit: Jude Beck on Unsplash
