Through Hard Pathways
For many, the start of a new year means setting new goals and challenges, choosing a new word to represent the upcoming year, or establishing new routines to gain momentum towards a new and improved version of ourselves. For others, the start of a new year brings a sigh of relief that the previous year didn’t take us down, at least not completely, yet we fear what the new year might bring.
I was recently reminded that how we approach a situation reveals what we expect to find. Said another way, expectations affect outcomes, or at least our perceptions of them.
For those who have had a season of difficulties and discouragement, it might be easy to assume just more of the same will walk with us into the next. Soon, all that is seen is more obstacles and more disappointments. But listen to this verse:
“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65: 11 (NLT)
What hopes and expectations do we have as we begin this new year? Are we expecting the bounty of God’s goodness? His mercies are new every morning! His faithfulness is great! (Lamentations 3: 22 – 23). Do we anticipate them? Do we search for them expecting to find them and when we do, are we grateful?
In reference to Romans 8: 28 – 29, Chuck Swindoll wrote, “All of God’s acts are filled with wisdom. The arrangement He has put together for each one of us is perfectly designed to shape us, ultimately, into the image of God.” I don’t pretend to understand why He allows certain events to happen, but I am thankful that He is working to make us more like Jesus. I have experienced His presence and peace in the hard pathways. Even there His goodness and grace have been constant.
As we start this new year, let’s reflect on how God has been present through this past year. Let us consider how He has worked all things for our good, for the good of others, and for His glory. Let’s commit to trust Him enough to embrace His plans for us as the new year unfolds. Let’s approach 2022 with joyful expectation and hearts full of gratitude that even in the hard pathways, His good abundance remains.
