“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
I want to take a moment to reflect on this verse as it’s the Jewish New Year this evening. What a sweet thing resolutions make. The resolving of a chapter, the hope of the blank slate. There is maturity gained, will’s strengthened, and hopefully, emotions softened.
What a beautiful thing it is to pray for the softening of our hearts when it would be the human inclination to harden to the trials of life. But let’s consider Job who softened to the will of the Lord, despite not understanding. And Job continued to bless the Lord. It is possible to have such all consuming love for the Lord that we soften amidst a war against principalities that would otherwise make us bitter. Because of His love. 1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.”
Be of Gentle and Quiet Spirit
1 Peter 3:4 But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
I would like us to consider as we come into this new year to be of quiet spirit. Take to your knees and be still before the Lord of heaven and earth. Creator of music, laughter, and hope. Take a moment to dwell in gratitude for all the Lord has provided, instead of bathing in the bitter waters of all we have yet to gain and all we have lost. The only true gain is in Christ Jesus, the gentle lamb of God. Praise God! We are storing up gain in Heaven.
Remember to Laugh
If you need to grieve expectations lost, do so. But then leave it with the Lord and tell him that all your expectations are in Him.
Take courage this year. For it is when we take bold actions of faith we find great joy. What a pleasure it is to do everything in all our strength as a love offering to the Lord. For obedience is better than sacrifice. And the Joy of the Lord is our strength. So pause, breathe, and laugh with the Holy Spirit over the trials. Be hopeful that he has good plans and purposes for you. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Be patient
“Love is patient” (1 Cor 13:4). There is a call to patience, which is love’s steadfastness. It is holy stubbornness that holds fast to the promises of God with Faith. It gets up everyday, walks the faith walk, works with strong hands, and praises God at the ending of another fruitful day in wait. God is the sweetest fulfillment of every promise. He is the best dream come true. And we have him today. So be blessed. Hope strongly. Pray fiercely. Love with a soft heart. Have with joyful patience.
Enjoy the sweet fulfillment of the end of this year. I believe this new year will be a year to steward our work with strong hands, a year we will laugh hard and loudly, a year we will be on our knees praying and praising God for freedom.
Happy New Years!
Coral Faith
Leave a Reply