I’ve decided I’m not going to make a New Years resolution this year.  Usually I would think of something that would help me in my faith – the obvious resolution being “read my Bible every day”.  What’s the point though?  I never get past day 4 or 5!  It should be “read my Bible at least once a week”.  I might just manage that!

Anyway, I’m not going to make a resolution only to be miffed that I break it in just under a week, and then wait another year before I make the same resolution again.  I know that I probably could just start again the same day I think about it, but as a perfectionist this wouldn’t feel right.  I can only start it on 1st of January!  (I know, it’s a little ridiculous, but hands up if you feel the same?)

Last year I thought about choosing a word that would help me to live through the year – something to reflect on which would keep me centred, and also help my faith at the same time.   I chose the word ‘Love’.  I didn’t look for any signs from God to see if this was the right word for me, nor did I pray about it.  I just chose something that I thought would be right with what I was going through in that moment.  (You see, I didn’t really love myself very much, so I thought if I chose the word ‘Love’ something might happen).

Over the first few weeks though, another word kept popping into my head and I kept hearing the same Bible reading through various people…

The Lord God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.  He will take great delight in you; In His love He will no longer rebuke you but rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

My word then changed from ‘love’ to ‘accept’ and throughout the year I had constant reminders of how God accepts me for who I am despite what I have been through.

I have thought a little bit more intently on my chosen word for this year.  I’ve even prayed about it!  It’s been a word that has been constant throughout the advent period and one that has stayed with me into the New Year. ..

MIDST

This word is going to keep me anchored in the truth that God is in the midst of everything that I encounter.  I need to remember…

…He is in the centre of it all…

…He is in the deepest depths of my despair…

…He is at the heart of every hurt…

…When I am in the thick of it, He will be right there.

As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!

Haggai 2:5

I will not be afraid knowing that God is in the midst of everything I do. Guess what? You don’t need to be afraid either!

I will not be afraid knowing that God is in the midst of everything I do. Click To Tweet

Something to think about…

Is there a word that resonates with you that could give you a focus or help you centre your life?

Prayer

Lord, as I go through my days, help me to remember that you are in the midst of everything that I do. You are especially in everything that happens around me – every situation that I encounter. I thank you and I praise you for this truth. May I never forget this.  Amen