The State of the (developing) Union

Have you ever taken your journal in January and written a personal version of the “State of the Union”?

With that context in mind, I began with these questions.

Where have we been God? Where are we going? What are the hurdles? What’s the propellant?

I looked at these questions with God in January. I thought through them in light of my various relationships… spouse, son, friends, co-workers, leaders, fellow volunteers and those I minister to.

I also felt prompted to consider these questions with projects in mind.

Things Noticed

I’ve noticed that I’m incredibly grateful for where I’ve been. I recognize the volume of God’s grace that has been poured down on my life and the lives of those near me.

Give thanks to LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

I’ve noticed, in some situations, there is a sense of predictability and feelings of security as I look to the horizon. In other places, I’m walking by faith into the unknown with a foggy landscape laid out in front of me.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

By faith, I believe that God has asked me to focus on the word “surrender” in 2015. Oh my! The hurdles that go with that word! I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry or both when that word came into focus. There is only One reason for my willingness to give that word space or time in my life.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

What propels me forward? Christ is making His home in my heart as I’m trusting in Him. My roots have been going down deeper into His love. These words from Ephesians were words I meditated on at great length in 2014 and in various circumstances. They are precious and powerful words because they witness to great truth. Living into that in 2014 has a lot to do with the level of openness I feel about the word surrender in 2015. One thing leads to another thing which leads to the next thing. He’s so smart! He’s so good! He’s so faithful!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Dear Lord,

There are places that still resist you. I hope when I look back on 2015, I can see how you helped my mind, heart, body more fully surrender to you and your love for me. And may You grace me to walk well alongside others desiring the same. Amen.

(Orginally posted on a blog for Grafted Life Ministries at www.ecswisdom.org)