This early November, not long after publishing the 21-day devotional “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark,” I found myself reflecting on the ways the LORD has guided me through my shadows, and the encouragement I received in the process. And on questions that crossed my mind in the aftermath:
How do I live today, LORD, after long months of navigating dashed expectations, painful loss, and grief? Am I ready to leave these lingering shadows? I’ve grown closer to You here, and honestly faced hurting places in myself. You’ve healed much sorrow, and yet I’m still adjusting. Am I strong enough to venture forward? Is there more healing work to be done?
Perhaps you have had similar thoughts as you’ve navigated painful challenges. Thankfully, God’s presence never leaves us. As I walk forward in the light of His love, and wait on Him, I cherish the intimate times of rest I have experienced. In the shelter of His wings I can be fully me, without the barrage and busyness of the world. His tender care and patience is so uniquely personal.
I feel as if I’ve graduated from a semester in a “school of suffering and affliction,” and relearned priceless lessons. While walking through shadows of hurt, confusion, and loss, the LORD has slowly freed me to live more authentically, discover more about joy in Him, and walk “more lightly” as I entrust Him with my deepest concerns.
*God has proven, again, that He is faithful and bigger than my deepest fears or hurts. His love never fails. He is full of kindness and mercy, and is the safest place for me to be honest and real. He does not condemn me…He saves me and helps me grow.
*Learning to practice gratitude refocuses the eyes of my heart and mind on today’s blessings, even in the midst of sorrows and pain. And I can ask, “What am I to learn now, LORD? How should I respond?” to reorient towards the light, search for and focus on the positive, and seek His truth to anchor me when troubles arise.
*Our human selves need rest, refueling, and realignment during and after temporal and spiritual battles. To let go and let God lead the way, and accept the help He brings, carries us into His “peace that passes all understanding.”
As this New Year dawns, may our hope in the LORD be made new each day as we continue to trust in Him. I hope this finds you well during this holiday season, and lifted by God’s amazing gift of Christ’s birth. He is the Light!
Nehemiah 10:8b NLT: “This is a sacred day before our LORD. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
If you or someone you know is tiptoeing through a hard season, or needs a place to pause in the comforting shadows of God’s wings, please grab a copy or share this devotional link with them:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/
God bless and keep you and yours throughout this New Year! Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I’d love to hear how God is meeting you in yours.
With love,
Sherry
You can find links to all my books on my Amazon author page here: https://amazon.com/author/sherryvycitalyork
Or click on “Books” on DewUponTheArbor.com
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