Listen:
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:4)
Reflect:
A new year dawns, yet the past year lingers, we stand at a liminal space, early January, in between.
As we look back, we catch our breath. Oof. Well. What will the new year hold?
And what do we talk about, when we talk about trust?Inevitably, trust used in a sentence points forth, WHO do you trust?
Trusting depends not just on the person handing over the trust, but more importantly, on the Person in whom we lay our trust. Like a parent and a child holding hands, at a critical time, crossing a dangerous road.
Who is this God, in whom we trust?
The Hebrew version presents thus: ‘Trust in Yahweh, even to forever, for in Yahweh (is) strength everlasting.’
The Israelites chose to use the metaphor of rock for God, rock, not a pebble, but a mountain, solid, stable, protective, a refuge. Everlasting, everlasting strength.
As I stand at this liminal space, looking back, did I see God holding my hand? Did he provide refuge, strength, despite uncertain days? I am often of little faith and goldfish memory, so I flip through my gratitude journal, a little yellow book began in November. Within a few pages, my heart swells. Remember, remember. Love, comfort, encouragement, provisions, wiping of tears, songs of joy, grace, grace, grace. There were hard hard days, but God came through, solid, protective, a refuge, everlasting strength.
I reach out again, for His hand, as I step forward, onwards.
Trust in Yahweh, even to forever.
Questions to Ponder:
- Is there something or someone in the past year, that you are still holding on to, that you need to trust and release to God?
- Is there something or someone in the past year, that God has put into your mind, that you need to trust and reach out to, with God’s strength?
Prayer of Response:
Father, as we stand at this liminal space, help us to remember. The highs and lows, rain and shine, pain and joy. We pray for healing and comfort, for where we need refuge, forgiveness, letting go. We give thanks for good days, good people, your strength and provisions. We pray that we may keep close to you, as we step forth into the new year. Amen.
—Submitted by Kae Ting Trouilloud
Kae lives in Lyon, France, at the foot of immense mountains. She is thankful for God’s strength, for the Lifesprings’ community, and for the glorious first session of the bilingual Lifesprings School of Ministry LSM-Formation Zoé last year. Together, may we trust God onwards preparing for the upcoming sessions in January and March, amidst extraordinary circumstances. It is still possible to sign onto the school, please do not hesitate to contact us! May all involved be encouraged and be amazed by God’s everlasting strength, learning each day to trust Him more and more.
Featured photo taken by Kae Ting Trouilloud
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