December 17 - What word encapsulates 2009 for you?
My word of the year for 2009(as part of an Ali Edwards challenge for a new year) was TRUST . I defined it more specifically - to trust God that I am right here where He wants me to be, doing what He created me to do. It truly has amazed me this year with just how often, in so many different experiences, this word has been uppermost in my mind and reinforced to me.
When stress starts to mount, I remind myself to trust God in all situations, with all problems and worries. Sometimes I have to remind myself over and over again, even in the same day, that God has always cared for me and He has never failed to provide everything that I need. Why would He suddenly do things differently now? I have this picture in my mind of a Heavenly Father who delights in each of His children, just the way I do as an earthly parent. I love to see my children, talk with them, watch them, help them, protect them and encourage them. My God does the very same with me! So I can trust Him just as a child trusts a parent, completely and without reservation.
Two years ago when I decided to leave fulltime teaching, the word 'trust' took on new meaning. Before that I had been prone to rely on myself, my pay cheque, my ideas, my job but then my professional life, as I had known it for nearly 14 years, was over. As a substitute teacher now I trust that God will send jobs my way and when He doesn't, as happened this week, I know the other plans He has for me are more important at this time.
These are some of my favourite Scripture (NIV) verses about trust:
Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 91:2
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
John 14:1
[ Jesus Comforts His Disciples ] "Do not let your hearts be troubled.Trust in God ; trust also in me.
Trust isn't just a word for one year - a word to be replaced by a different or better one in the next year. I chose it because I knew I needed to live it, breathe it and dwell in it - this year and always.
These are some reminders of trust from my last year:
- trusting that God would be with Darrin and Kelsey as they were married and would share life
- trusting that our two new grandchildren would be healthy and strong
- trusting God to see Tyler through medical school and clerkship
- trusting that Melinda would have support and encouragement as a new mom
- trusting that visiting Africa was part of God's plan for us
- trusting God for safety while traveling - flying, driving, sailing, walking/hiking
- trusting God to show me how to help others this Christmas
- trusting that God will provide jobs and income, not just for me but for our family members as well
I could go on! I'm trusting Him for tomorrow and for always!
It's such a powerful word but so hard to live out. Thanks for sharing these encouraging words, bits of Scripture and your heart.
ReplyDeleteI've decided my two words for this season and through next year are patience and grace. Boy I need to have lots more of both of this, and let God dwell in me to accomplish it.
Lvoe this post. I wish I could say that "trust" encapsulated my 2009, but I'm still having issues.
ReplyDeleteI actually mean that I love this post. lol
ReplyDeleteWow, I needed to read this tonight, Crystal. 2010 is promising to be an exciting year, but I have a lot of concerns and anxieties about it, even though I know God is with me. I need to trust! Thanks, Crystal. XO
ReplyDeleteI think that 'TRUST' will have to be my word for 2010! So many changes, so many questions, so many fears, so many anxieties, but the only thing I can do is Trust the Lord. He has done a great job of providing for us this far, so why is this so hard for me?? Beautiful post Crystal--I needed to read it!
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