"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
"They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
The study also suggested reading over the words of the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness", so I pulled out a hymnal and did just that. What a blessing!
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| This beautiful graphic is by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings. |
During the morning message, our speaker noted that every trial is an opportunity to prove ourselves faithful to God. He added that the more difficult the trial, the greater the opportunity to honor God by being faithful to Him.
So -- another aspect to "faithfulness". Not only God's faithfulness to me, which is unfailing. But my faithfulness to God. Not only in trials, but in what may be even more challenging -- faithfulness in the everyday and sometimes discouraging tasks He has given me to do. This faithfulness is something I need to work at in every area of my life when I so often feel like giving up. This word for the year is better than a multitude of resolutions, and -- although I still hope to formulate some goals for the new year -- faithfulness must govern the carrying out of those goals.
So I will be blessed and encouraged as I consider God's faithfulness to me every day.
And I will be challenged to live each day in faithfulness to Him and the things He has called me to do.
We sang Great is Thy Faithfulness on Sunday morning. It is a favorite of mine! Good word for a new year.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that we also sang that hymn on Sunday morning, Arlene!
DeleteWhat Bible study are you doing?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Arlene. I love that hymn too and have seen it proved true so many times. His faithfulness is indeed great! It's interesting how sometimes a word just comes to you. That is certainly the way it happened with this one, so I know it's the one God has for me this year.
ReplyDeleteRobin, I've sent you an email. For others who may be interested, you can find the link and a description here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.notconsumed.com/reclaiming-your-life-from-the-grip-of-circumstances/. It's a 31-day email study on reclaiming your life from the grip of circumstances. I haven't seen it all yet, obviously, so I can't vouch for the content completely, but it's been very helpful to me so far. I'm only on Day 5 because I started late; I was working on another Bible study and needed to finish it up first.
I really like your plan for this year. Good reminder for us! I chose Count Your Blessings last year. It really guided me through some tough times. I like yours a lot for this year because I too have been a little burdened by dealing with a few things. My mother is aging and just moved to be near me, but it is still a challenge trying to tie up all the loose ends.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to even think that the desire to be faithful comes from Him. Praying for you as you face daily challenges.
ReplyDeleteSandy -- thanks for your encouraging words. I think eldercare is one of the hardest things to deal with -- at least I have found it to be so. So many challenges in this life -- but through them we strengthen our faith and are drawn closer to God.
ReplyDeletePolly! Is that YOU -- my real-life friend Polly? So happy you are here and commenting! Thanks so much for your prayers. And yes, it IS wonderful to think that even the desire to be faithful comes from the Lord. He is so good.
We don't always think of the first part of that verse...it is wonderful! There are always so many things to concern us at every stage of life. Many blessings to you...
ReplyDeleteYes, Vee, it is wonderful indeed. And you're right, concerns at every stage of life. Thankfully God cares and will help us with every one of them. He is truly faithful.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see how we are led to choose a word. I would like to remember this for future use. It means so much to us all. Enjoy your weekend! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteBeautiful wonderful edifying word! I love letting my word find me. I love that moment of inspiration and then the next encouragement that is given on it. Undeniably that is you word. May The Lord bless you with new findings and nurturing in faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteLove your Word for 2016!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Hi ladies!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Smith -- I know, isn't it neat how our words "find" us? I had some ideas for what my word would be, but the actual word God gave me was even more of a blessing because it reminds me both of what He has done and then what He expects of me. It was really neat last evening. I was tired and busy and felt like giving up. Then God reminded me that His faithfulness is great -- and He also reminded me that He expects me to be faithful in all He's given me to do, and not to give up. Unquestionably that is my word for this year!
Debbie -- you chose an important word too and I like how you pointed out the many different aspects of wellness. Great goals to work at in 2016!
Diane -- I didn't intentionally leave you out when I wrote the comment above, but your comment got lost on my comment moderation page, never coming to my email inbox as it should have! Yes, it is SO interesting to see how we are led to choose a word. I had some in mind, as I mentioned, but this one wasn't even on my radar. Now I know beyond a shadow of a doubt it is the necessary one for this year! You're right -- a meaningful one for us all to ponder. Thanks for stopping by my kitchen table!
ReplyDelete