Choices for a New Year
Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
This was a memory verse given to my daughter in Sunday School one year. I recalled it after a few nights of her not being able to sleep because she was worried about some things. And we began to say it as we prayed about what was bothering her. Eventually we both memorized it. Now, fast forward a couple of years- life happens and I am the one who is fearful. I find that verse again, print it out and post it where I’ll see it and read it over, and over, and over. Soon it’s in my head and I recite it when I begin to be scared, then I pray, and the fear goes away. Thank you God for your promises, for your presence, for walking along side of us! Thank you for creating me to be able to make the choice to choose you; to trust in you.
I didn’t want the fear to have a grip on me and paralyze my thoughts. Another verse I read reinforces this too-
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Recently we sang a chorus in church with the choir that tells of the choices we can make-
“I will sing praise, I will lift my voice.
I will sing praise, I have made my choice.
I will sing praise, in all I do.
I will sing praise to you.
No matter what storms may come my way,
No matter what trials I face,
You promise you’ll see me through.”
Music really speaks to me, or rather I believe God uses music to speak to me! I keep hearing these lyrics over and over as I’m reflecting on choices I’m making right now. We’re all facing a new year-actually we face a new start each and every morning! How awesome is that? We get a fresh start, a do-over to make better choices every day!
I am usually an upbeat and positive person. I try to smile. I’m choosing to see my glass as half full rather than half empty. I want to think the best in situations, find the positive to focus on. It’s a choice, my choice. Now I am human, and I can make a bad choice just as easily some days. But I am trying to seek God and remember to keep my eyes on Him, on what is good, and to be thankful. This keeps me from focusing on bad choices and accepting his mercy and grace…claiming my “do-over!” I want to choose God!
A long time ago, this verse was part of my life (through a song of course!) and I try to remember who is important each day and live for Him.
Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
I haven’t really made any New Year’s resolutions this year, but rather I want to continue some choices I’ve made in 2014. The more I pray and learn about God, the more I want to know Him. I want to trust Him- more and more. I want to sing his praises! It’s like a cycle, one choice leads to the next one which leads to the next…and ta-da! I’m a stronger believer, my faith is growing, I am more confident in what the Lord is doing…and I’m full of joy!
And guess what else? I’m not afraid because I’m trusting in God! I’m making that choice and He’s with me each step of the way! And that’s something to sing about!
If you’re looking for a radio station to help you not be afraid and to trust God, you might try WXML-90.1 FM or KLove -98.7 FM. Both play music to encourage and uplift you in your walk. And if you have Sirius Radio-check out XM 63-The Message.
~Nancy Lipscomb
