A Peaceful 2014

Last year, I chose the word “Persevere” and selected 3 areas I wanted to persevere in: Prayer, Fitness & Home Management. Well, I totally bombed on all 3 fronts… but I did persevere through a lot of other trials that came my way. A new job and additional ministry responsibilities left me disoriented at times. But God gave me the strength to persevere, and the grace to end 2013 on a good note.

If I had to describe 2013 in one word, it would be “Full“! It’s no wonder that when it was time to brainstorm a word for the new year, words that appealed to me were: simple, slow, unhurried… you get the drift :).

And then I came across a blog post written about how a simple life may not be exactly be what God has in mind for us. It was written in the context of Christmas, but of course, the same principle applied to life in general.

Quoting Courtney of Women Living Well:

Is your calendar full from striving, serving or sacrifice? If it’s from striving – stop… But if it’s from serving and sacrifice – may God bless you.

One look at my work plans and our church calendar confirmed what I was already afraid of… 2014 was going to be another full year. But it would be full of serving and sacrifice – and that’s what God has called me to this year.

So, I then began a quest for a new word for the new year. One morning earlier this month, as I was completing my Good Morning Girls Advent Bible Study, {I was only about 10 days late! 🙂 } this verse stood out from my journal:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

…and I just knew it! I might face some mighty storms this year – a hectic schedule, numerous events, tight deadlines… but God has promised me one thing: His Peace.

And I cling on to His word, as a lifeline to take me through a year that I hope is not as tumultuous as the last. For He has promised:

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed;
but my kindness shall not depart from thee,
neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed,
saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.”
(Isaiah 54:10, Emphasis mine)

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