His Unfailing Promises

I hope you had a lovely Christmas Day.  This year was more tender for me than last year.  I'm not sure why.  So many memories went floating through my mind, and all of them reminded me of Floyd.  I'm grateful for all the Christmases we had together.

My personal theme this year was Emmanuel - God with us.  I am so, so thankful for the truth of that.  While I missed Floyd, I knew God was right by my side continually.  His sweet presence carried me through.  Thank you, Lord!  In tender moments, I rest in the sweet promises from the Word.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' " Psalm 91:1,2

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

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."  Isaiah 43:1-3 

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6 

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

When I'm concerned about my health; when I miss Floyd; when I wish I could be with family; when I feel weak; whenever I face any difficulty - I stand on the wonderful, strong promises of God.  They are unfailing!!!  They bring comfort and strength.  God knew what we would need and provided the words of comfort that strengthen us.  How awesome and faithful He is!

It's hard to believe that a brand new year is upon us.  2022 has flown by!  There have been joys and sorrows, good days and hard days, answers to prayers and prayers still being lifted up, provision and need, peace and anxious moments - it's definitely been a year of mixtures. 

And now we're starting all over again with a blank slate.  I wonder what this new year will hold.  There's never a dull moment in walking with the Lord!  I'm praying for miracles, for suddenlys, and for God to move in wonderful ways.

I've been watching the new episodes of The Chosen season 3.  There's a scene in the 2nd episode that has touched me deeply.  Jesus has just told the disciples that He is sending them out 2x2 to minister in His name, healing the sick, and casting out demons.

Little James comes to Jesus to clarify this - wondering how he can heal people when he himself has not been healed of his lameness.  Jesus asks if he wants to be healed, and he says yes, of course.  Jesus tells him it's possible to heal him, but He hasn't because He trusts him.  He wants him to praise God in spite of his lameness.  Jesus explains that Little James has true strength because of his weakness.

As you might imagine, Little James struggles with the concept of being patient with his lameness, his suffering.  Jesus tells him that he will spend all of eternity with no suffering.  He quotes from Job - "the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord."

I've watched this scene a number of times because I relate to Little James.  I know it's "possible" for Jesus to heal - both me and many others.  But I'm still living with cancer.  I want to fulfill His purposes in my life in spite of the cancer!  I know His strength is made powerful in my weakness.  I trust God to help me live that out.

In the new year ahead, I'm asking God to give me fresh grace for my journey.  I know His mercies are new every morning.  I know the joy of the Lord is my strength for whatever I face.  I look to Him and trust Him to help me day by day.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  Psalm 73:26

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."  Psalm 31:24

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10 

"God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect."  2 Samuel 22:33

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness."  Romans 8:26

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

The Word is full of promises of God helping us in our weakness, sickness, and time of need.  I stand upon those promises in the new year ahead.  

Tante Corrie ten Boom said - "You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have."  I'm so grateful we have Christ in the year ahead!