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