A Transforming New Year!

“Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!
Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.
All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you,
they sing praise to your name.'
Come and see what God has done,
how awesome his works in man’s behalf! He turned the sea into dry land,
they passed through the waters on foot- come,
let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power,
his eyes watch the nations- let not the rebellious rise up against him.
Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;
he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.
For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.
You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.
You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.”
Psalm 66:1-12

As we reflect back on the last year I am sure there is a feeling of mixed emotions. My year was full of laughter, tears, brokenness, joy, sadness, longing...all leading to further transformation. It seems each year always holds a mixture of moments. Those where we feel the Lord has turned the roaring sea into dry land for us to walk carelessly through the obstacles of life and those moments where we feel like we are drowning or trapped behind steel bars struggling to get free. But one thing I continually learn over and over and over again is that each moment is a refining moment. Through the crashing waves and the easy strut we are being refined like silver and led to a place of abundance. So this year I am not going to hope for less brokenness and more happiness, but instead have faith that joy comes in all things through Christ. In 2009 I long for continued change and transformation that will come with a new year both through the difficulties and delights of life that come along. I long to see the Lord's kingdom coming in my own life and in the places and people I am surrounded by.
Praise God for His awesome deeds! Praise Him for His power over all enemies! Praise Him for miracles seen and unseen! Praise God that He has preserved our lives! And praise Him who invites us to walk (sometimes stumbling or gasping) through the fire and water that refines.

I wish you all a Transforming New Year!!