WATCHWORD:
18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Meditation:
Today’s a Gift
I’ve always reminded my sister that I was younger than she, although we are both ‘super-seniors’. The other day we spoke on the phone and she told me she spent a half-day with her daughter, my niece, as they went through albums and pictures from the past. What a joy it was to be reminded. God has gifted us with memory to keep His Joy fresh within us, but not for us to dwell in the past. He reminds us that He is doing a new thing.
Recently, a dear friend of mine remarked, “So many of my friends and loved ones are experiencing illness and loss. It is so sad.” I wasn’t much help, I said something like, “At our age and stage in life, that is going to happen with greater frequency. But God is in charge, He loves us, and we are His. We do what we can to comfort the saddened.” She agreed with that, but still…
Throughout the Advent season, my friend and I have been reading the daily devotional book by Sarah Young, Jesus Calling for Christmas. It’s a beautiful, tender and reverent way to start each day. I want to share the New Year devotional, in honor of those loved ones who brought joy into our lives, who are now with Jesus, cheering us on.
“Do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! As you begin the fresh year, rejoice that I am continually working newness into your life. Don’t let recent disappointments and sadness define you or dampen your expectations. This is the time to make a fresh start! I am a God of unlimited creativity, expect me to do surprising things in this year that stretches out before you.
Today is a precious gift. The present moment is where I meet with you, Beloved. So, seek my face throughout this day that I have made. I have carefully prepared it for you — with tender attention to every detail. I want you to rejoice and be glad in it.
Search for signs of My loving presence as you journey along the path of Life. Look for the little pleasures I have strewn alongside your pathway — sometimes in surprising places — and thank Me for each one. Your thankfulness will keep you close to Me and help you find joy in your journey.” (from Jesus Calling for Christmas)
Why this Watchword? Why this Tribute? Those of us who are without loved ones, have a moment, a date, maybe an event, that we associate with the departure of that significant person in our lives. For me, it is today, this very day, seven years ago. Each one of us holds those memories sacred, and each one of us, if we listen carefully, can hear our loved one speaking to us, from the ‘next room’, “One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!” To which I would add, Be at peace, you are loved. There is comfort in that understanding. We remember the person and we remember the times, blessings and grace from our Lord. So be it.
Till We Meet Again Prayer:
God be with you till we meet our loved ones again. By His counsels guide, uphold you; With His sheep securely fold you. God be with you till we meet our loved ones again. In Jesus Name, Amen.
