Sovereign and Someday

Happy New Year to you!

After Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then New Years, I sort of feel like I need just one more break to catch my breath and think through what all just happened! Ironically, this year, God gave me just that in the form of a snow day. Our city awoke to a beautiful blanket of snow that was so white it glistened. The roads were just bad enough for most of the city to be quieted. There is was, a three day weekend.

Recently I ran across this prayer which definitely applied to me so maybe it will strike a chord with you too!

Dear Lord.

So far this year I have done well.

I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t lost my temper, I haven’t been greedy, grumpy, selfish, or overindulgent. I’m very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, Lord, I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on I’m probably going to need a lot more help.  Amen

God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. He is intentional on taking care of you and me, and it is His pleasure and joy to do so. He is sovereign. I have grown to love and respect the word sovereign.  The dictionary defines “Sovereign” as this: “supreme, absolute, unlimited, unrestricted, boundless, ultimate, total, unconditional, full.”  This is the definition of sovereign by people, and yet it still can apply to our Lord.  Let’s also look at the Bible’s truth about sovereignty in direct reference to our Father. “…I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” Isaiah 46.9-10. This is who I want taking care of me, my days, and my year. He is definitely not intimidated by our world situation…or yours.

stacee with her sister tracee this past christmas season

If we actually got to sit together over our morning coffee and share our concerns about this New Year, what would you say to me?  What are your biggest concerns right now, my friend? I know that I have many concerns and, if I’m not careful, I can lose sleep over them and almost get sick over them, not to mention skip meals. My peace comes from a dear friend’s continuous reminder that God is sovereign. He is hope. This One that I speak of is our only chance of believing we should wake up in the morning and try again. And some days, that we should get up and not try at all. “Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities-things that are beyond your control” (Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, page 176).

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t ever had much success with New Year’s resolutions. I start out overwhelmed and struggle to follow through. I’ve had to learn that I may not do significantly better every year,  but I can focus on God’s help each day. My progress isn’t going to look like yours, just as yours won’t look like mine,  so no need for comparison here. I have been learning that my days are not my own. They are planned by God for His purpose. I have also been learning what they should look like and how that happens and why it even matters!

Check this out…”In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” Proverbs 16:9. You and I can plan and fret over what’s going on in this world and even in our own hearts and homes, but God sees where He wants to take us, so we just have to chill out and take His hand.  Now, am I saying don’t have resolutions and goals? Absolutely not! That’s between you and the Lord who has your heart. But I am saying that this day…, and each day as it comes, I will need to surrender to the Lord and let Him show me the way He has for me, step by step. My plans and worries can be placed in the strong hands of my Sovereign God…as yours can too! Wow! That puts things in perspective for me!  Obedience and faith can be my response to each day, rather than freaking out about what I think is best for me day in and day out.

My friend, maybe someday I will get to sit with you, and we can share what God is doing in our lives. Or maybe we will need to first share, with transparency, how we have gotten caught up in the things of this world and need to take a step back and consider God’s plans versus our plans. (I would so love to fellowship with you.) But either way, think on this as January 2017 continues to unfold.  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, I say to myself, The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him” Lamentations 3.22-24.  

What does God have for you this day? Something beyond what we can conjure up for ourselves! It’s a new day! Ask Him for guidance and experience His Sovereignty! He is full and supreme and ultimate and unconditional. Hold on tight to Him because holding on to the things of the world and its plans aren’t worth us sharing as we sit together…someday.

Love To You,

Stacee