Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Thoughts for a new year

As I reflected on this past year, one item stood out among the uncertainties and transitions that defined our 2009; God is in control. Here's an excerpt from my journal that explains my thoughts:

Lord, I thank you for a new year- a reminder that You are in control. Who knows what 2010 will bring? You do. And you have gone before us to prepare the way. I don't need to fear a new year. This past year has taught us that anything can change suddenly, even when we think we are secure. But with you as our captain, we can look toward the future with a sense of adventure. You are in control. When I try to control my life, I end up anxious, worried, stressed, and have my priorities all wrong. When I surrender control, You fill me with peace, joy, freedom, assurance, security, and straightened priorities. Thank you that each day can be new; I don't need to wait until next year!

The other day I listened to a song that expresses this; everytime I hear it I laugh inwardly as I am reminded of how often I try to take control instead of letting go. Praise the Lord He is in control. So many times He has blessed me by giving me exactly what I thought I didn't want!

It's out of my hands- Carolyn Arends

And so I stand here
Looking at all that I have made
Fallen in ruins
And it would seem that

It's out of my hands
There's nothing I can do
The best laid plans
Again have fallen through
I thought my world
Was under my command
Now I can't believe
Just how glad I am
It's out of my hands

My favourite delusion
I must control the universe
Failure brings freedom
You are God, and I'm not so

It's out of my hands
There's nothing I can do
The best laid plans
Again have fallen through
I thought my world
Was under my command
Now I can't believe
Just how glad I am
It's out of my hands

And so I stand here
Looking at all that You have made
Learning to place my
Life in your keeping

It's out of my hands
I know this much is true
The best laid plans
All belong to You
When I know my world
Is under Your command
I can't believe
Just how glad I am
It's out of my hands

The best laid plans
Again have fallen through
I thought my world
Was under my command
Now I can't believe
Just how glad I am
It's out of my hands

2 comments:

Joanna said...

Everything OK with you all? Just checking in, as your island has taken a beating!

Daniel and Teresa said...

We are doing well, just a little trembling, but we're praying for Haiti!