Before we get too far into 2019 I want to share my gratitude for 2018. Sometimes I have a word for the year. In 2007 it was “Peace.” I sought for more inner and outer peace and focused on what that word really means. Other times there is a theme that seems to emerge from what is happening or what I am learning. In 2017 it was “Adventure and Healing.” 

Last January these verses were given to me as my theme for 2018, and they proved so true! 

“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” (Psalm 16:8-9)

This was a year of leaning into God for stability while so much changed around me—family and friends moved, relationships changed, children continued to grow up, my homeschool community of the last six years disbanded, our neighborhood turned over (at least five houses on our street were bought and sold last year!) and more. Much more. There are buckets of emotion in each of those points. But God—the faithful covenant keeper. My rock. My fortress. My strong tower. The unchanging one. He knows the end from the beginning. I am learning—slowly learning—to lean into his stability because life never stops changing. As a person who craves security, He gently unfolds my fingers, tightly wound around that idol, and says, “I am enough.” I grasp for it again. (It’s not pretty.) He says, “Those things will not hold you forever. I am enough.” It’s a hard lesson. But an important one. I have not learned it completely, but I am different from last January 1. He is at my right hand. I will not be shaken. My heart is glad. I dwell secure. 

God is a big God. Whatever He is saying to you this January 1—lean in. I am trying to do the same. He loves us so much. He wants our hearts. And when we hope in Him, He promises we will not be disappointed. Happy new year!