"For as the rain and the snow come down from Heaven and do not return there but water the earth." Isaiah 55:10
It was a beautiful clear day today in Colorado....we had received several inches of snow the past few days, so today was finally a way to get out and go on a good long walk with my dog, Molly.
As I walked along, I realized that I am in awe of how the snow glistens in the sunlight, like white diamonds, all different from one another. Isn't it a joy that GOD has given us this sight during the dark days of winter....it is as if HE has poured HIS pure white grace upon us, to give us a new hope in a New Year.
As I looked upon a field, I realized that this pure white blanket of hope was so simple and so serene..... a white blank canvas just waiting to be drawn upon with one's hopes and dreams.
We all experience those hopes and dreams in the New Year unaware of where GOD will take us on HIS path for us. I am not discouraged.... I am hopeful. I have learned over the past year that I am REDEEMED in HIS love for me and that HIS grace is "sufficient for me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Just trusting HIM and living deep in HIS love brings me much JOY. I have always admired those that exude JOY in spite of all of their issues. I am drawn to people that live each day as if it were their last and JOY is part of their nature. They are such a pleasure to be around.
In my choosing of the word JOY this year, I am sure it will take me on top of the mountain, in spite of the valleys in life, I want to always keep looking up, always with a hopeful heart, always knowing the JOY of HIS presence.
When JESUS was born, HE was the good news that would bring JOY to all the people. HE alone should be the JOY of our heart, the joy of our days, and the joy of our being! Our joy is complete in HIM and HIM alone. HIS love, HIS grace, HIS mercy, HIS holiness, HIS sovereignty, HIS power and HIS compassion is enough..... it is all we really need. All of HIS character should bring us JOY in each day we live here. We need to let JOY sink into our souls and be thankful with our whole being.
JOY in HIM makes us complete.
May you find HIS JOY as you start anew this year!
HABAKKUK 3: 18 " I will be JOYFUL in GOD my Savior."
Max,
ReplyDeleteIt’s interesting to consider snow as a symbol of hope, and also interesting to connect hope with joy. I never thought about it that clearly before, but yes, hope is necessary for joy.
As I had coffee with a friend who works with me at Arapahoe High School, and who, like me, lived in the neighborhood of Columbine High School at one time, we talked about how hard times affect us. After finally facing some hardships in life, having had a great childhood, I can now finally relate to the hymn, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” The bible speaks of this a lot also. “I am the God who did all this stuff for you in the past. Trust now that I will bring you through this next thing.”
“ 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. “ – Romans 5
Love to read your thoughts on these things!
- Brenda
Hey B!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading....it always refreshes me and my soul with all that you have to say! You are a treasure!