New Year
As one year ends and another year starts it is good to take time to reflect on the year past, and think about what the year ahead might hold. I usually love this time of year. I love the new start feeling that the New Year brings, and the opportunity to put what has passed behind me. But this year feels a little different, I am a little less excited and expectant I suppose.
2023 was a mixed year for us. There were moments of joy and unexpected blessings; new babies, new books, new puppy, new ventures. But there were also moments of sadness and worry. And behind the highs and lows the relentless every day stresses, coping with family demands, work, relationships, finances, health, not to mention the horror of suffering happening all over our broken world. It has left me weary but not disheartened.
He is faithful
As I sat with God today I came with a thankful heart – for the blessings and the favour, but also for His faithfulness. His presence, provision and strength that has been a constant. That He has stayed true to His promises and been all that I have needed through the highs and the lows, and the every day of the year just passed.
I also came with questions. What do I need to know, heading into 2024? What did God want to say to me today? He kindly reminded me of something that happened a few days ago.
A wild walk
My grandson loves his grandad. They have a special relationship. He is only 2, and his grandad is much older, but has always been a bit of a child at heart. They love spending time together, and they especially love walking the dog on the beach. One day last week they went out to walk, but the weather was still a bit wild, as a fierce storm had just blown through. The tide was high and the flat sand hidden so they had to walk on the stony part of the beach. The waves crashed a little higher and noisier than normal, and instead of running ahead, or playing with the dog, the boy held out his hand to be held by his grandad. They still came back from their walk glowing and happy, but it had been a little harder. Still with great excitement my grandson told me all about his walk and showed me the stones he had carried back in his pocket. He had still loved being with his grandad.
Hold My hand
As I talked with Jesus, I saw a clear picture of what 2024 might look like for me, for my family, maybe for many of us. There are good things ahead, but sometimes the walk might seem uncomfortable, disconcerting, scary even. We only need to reach out our hand, and Father will be right there to hold on to. And He will walk with us, and it will be worth it all.
This is what I heard Him whisper to me,
‘2024 will be a big year for you. You will look back at it with amazement. But it will also be a year when you need to hold on to me. Don’t be afraid because it will be an extra-ordinary exciting and joy-filled experience. Even when you feel unsure and uncertain. When you fell like you might slip and fall because of the uneven stones beneath your feet, or feel that the waves are crashing a little too close. I AM with you and I will bring you safely through it. And your face will shine with the good gifts that I have deposited into your hands. You will be so alive in me! I love you my child. Walk with me.’
As usual hearing His whisper calmed my soul. So while I might not be heading into the New Year with my usual expectant excitement, I can look up and see that He has good things in store for me. For all those He calls His own. And I will hold out my hand and hold on to the One who loves me and who wise, strong and good.
Mercy and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord will give what is good;
And our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before Him,
And shall make His footsteps our pathway. Psalm 85:10-13 NKJV
Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.
‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, and Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
This is beautiful, Joy. From the heart and I hear echoes of both the weariness and the whisper of the Father in my own heart today. Thank you.
Thank you Jenny. I am so pleased it resonated. Isn’t He good!
Thanks for that Joy. Reading about your grandson holding his granddads hand reminded me of a picture I had many years ago. It was of a man walking through a wood with a little boy walking alongside him, holding his hand and looking expectantly into the man’s face. That man is the Lord and the little boy represents all those Christians who walk with Him, desiring to do His will. They not only hold His hand but also watch His face to see what He would say to them as He leads them through life with its many obstacles and difficulties. Because they are holding His hand they do not get led off the path nor do they run ahead or drag behind. It has stayed with me over the years and has blessed me often.
Thank you for taking the time to reply Esther
It sounds like a very exciting year ahead to me. Lovely imagery, Joy. Blessings to you and yours as you keep holding His hand.
Thank you Dawn, and Bless you too!
This is so beautiful Joy. It brought tears to my eyes, a wonderful picture and truth of our need to hold on tight to the hand of our Father, stay close and not let go. He is the one who will lead us and he won’t let us be led astray. I’ve just been reminded of a little prayer I sing to Leo most days before we eat – ‘thank you Lord for all this food, thank you Lord for all we do, lead us, guide us everyday, keep us from going astray. Amen. It’s simple but we don’t have to complicate things do we? Holding his hand and listening to his voice and believing and trusting his path before us as we hold his hand and he directs us in his mercy and Grace. Thank you for your encouragement today. 🙏
The prayer should read – thank you Lord for all you do!
Reading this has reminded me of a song I used to sing at church when I was growing up;
Hold thou my hand, so weak I am, and helpless;
I dare not take one step without thine aid,
Hold thou my hand, for then O loving saviour,
No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid.
Thank you for this reminder, to walk each day with God.
Thank you for the reminder of a great old song. Singing it to myself now!
Oh how your words resonate with me Joy! What a beautiful word from God for the hear ahead. My son is 2 and I learn so much about God from just watching him and seeing how he views the world, how much I love him and it really helps me understand Gods view of us, as his children. Thank you for sharing. Every blessing, Amber x
Oh, I am so glad that what God spoke to me has spoken to you too. Yes, having a small person around is so good for remembering what kind of relationship God wants to have with us. Thank you so much for commenting!