Still Upright

This week there were days when there was a lot going on, and my thoughts were all over the place.  The one thing that kept coming clearly to me, though, is that Jesus is right beside me.  He's not off in the distance somewhere - He's right with me!  How grateful I am for the assurance of that.  How grateful I am for His abiding presence!

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel....But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."  Psalm 73:23, 28

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."  2 Corinthians 4:7-9

I am still processing moving into a new year!  I came across the photo and caption that I share above.  I have to say that I laughed so hard when I saw it......and I kinda identify with that chicken!  I feel a bit "singed" and like pieces of me have been torn off.  But I'm still upright and walking tall with the Lord's help!  I am choosing to leave behind all that happened last year, and in the previous years.  I'm remembering God's faithfulness and blessings - but putting behind the difficulties, disappointments, and sorrows.  

"Forgetting those things which are behind....I press toward the goal."  Philippians 3:13,14

I am focusing my mind on Jesus and thinking about the good things in my life.  There is so much discouragement in the news, in what is happening around us. I continually bring my mind back to the promises of God, to the testimonies of His faithfulness.  That is what brings me life and hope.

In the stress of this past week and feeling overwhelmed and weak I sat and poured my heart out to the Lord.  The thing that kept coming to me is that the promises of God haven't changed or wavered.  They are the solid Rock upon which I stand.  They are what I hold onto.  They are what I claim as I move into this new year.

"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus!"  Hebrews 3:1

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  Philippians 4:8

I am leaning on those wonderful everlasting arms as I move into the new year.  God has faithfully carried me on our unexpected journey all these years - and I'm trusting Him to continue as I journey alone.  His strength and grace is absolutely limitless.  I can rely on Him to keep me from falling as I lean into Him.

"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38,39

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8 

"Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job.  Instead, be glad that you are in the thick of what Christ experienced.  This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner."  1 Peter 4:12,13  The Message

I'm so grateful for God's goodness and faithfulness - His steadfastness!