Because of who HE is...

The decorations are down, the house is clean, and the New Year has dawned bright and crisp with the hope of a fresh start. 

I always love this first day of the new year for the promise it holds, for the expectation it portends.

This morning I am returning to the one thing that settles and soothes my soul regarding the angst of previous resolutions  not kept...

I am remembering the one thing that frees me from disappointment in my failings, and from fear that in the challenges the future holds, I will falter, yet again.

I am renewing my vision with the one thing that is so simple, and profound all at once. 

This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.  The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, says my soul.  Therefore I have hope in Him.  Lamentations 3:21-24

Because of who He is...

Because of who You are, Lord...

In 2012, I can...

hope for the restoration of the ones I love, who still dwell in dark places...

believe I will at last conquer these lusts of my flesh...

rest in who You've made me to be...and stop striving to be someone I'm not.

Because of who You are, Lord...

In 2012, I will...

swim in a sea of grace, carried by a current that You alone control.

cry out for revival again and again, watching expectantly for the breakers of Spirit-life to come crashing in...

Because of who You are Lord...

In 2012, I will...

trust that these dried up, crusty corners of my heart can be softened by the oil of Your love, and made pliable one more time.

remember that this world, this unfolding drama of war and want, of chaos and crisis, of terror and trouble and trials on every hand...is only a breath in eternity, less than a heartbeat pulsing under the power of Sovereign grace.

Because of who You are...

Because of who HE is...

The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I have hope in Him.

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My Journey:  I am calling my focus this year "a return to God-centeredness,"  which means a return to the one thing that sets everything aright, that guarantees my good and His glory.  It truly is because of who He is that I start afresh today, January 1, 2012. 

Practically, I am engaging in lectio divina through the Psalms, each day asking the question:  What does this tell me about You, Lord? 

Some tools for embracing God's Word:

Reflective reading--click here
Meditation--click here
Scripture study using the online program Studylight--click here

  
I am also going to try to memorize 1 Peter.  If you'd like to join me, I will be providing memory cards each month.  Click here for the first set--It's about 9-10 verses a month! For tips on how to memorize Scripture, click here.