Before we set our sights on the newness of another year, let’s be still and truly know He is Emmanuel; He is with us, right here and right now.
I have a lot of expectations for 2023. In fact, I have a lot of expectations all the time. My heart has no problem imagining big things from a big God. If anything, my trouble lies in tying those expectations to an expected timeline, inevitably finding myself disappointed when He reminds me – yet again – that He does not operate according to my schedule.
But that’s no surprise. We’ve discussed this in past conversations.
However, at this time of year, when my eyes want to fix themselves on all that could be waiting in the new year, I find that looking back might prove more beneficial. It would be easy to say that I’m looking back to recall all that God has done – we talked about that last week. But this time, I want to review the last year not through my own sight, but through His.
We have to see beyond our humanity and begin to look through the lens of His sovereignty.
The heartache that left me feeling empty – how did God see that?
The moment when loss after loss after loss finally took its toll, and I broke down in the kitchen – what does He say about that?
When we had that worship night and I fasted and prayed for Him to show up for His people, and He did – how much more was He doing than I could see?
In all the wins and losses of the last 365 days, what did we gain? What did we lose?
By the way, loss might not be a bad thing. If you are overweight, then you lose 30 pounds, that’s great! But if you are underweight, a loss of 30 pounds could be catastrophic. Likewise if we shifted the analogy to weight gain.
So how do we determine whether it’s a good loss or a bad loss? A good gain or a gain that will ultimately weigh us down? We have to see beyond our humanity and begin to look through the lens of His sovereignty.
How many of us could use a factory reset before the new year? More importantly, how do we do that, spiritually speaking?
I recently got a new phone, and like nearly everybody else, I wanted to get it for as cheap as possible (since when did the cost of a phone exceed the cost of my monthly mortgage? Who approved this?!) Getting the discount meant I had to trade in my old phone, but before sending it back, I had to perform a factory reset. Wipe it completely clean and remove the sim card in order to make it useful for someone else.
And now I’m just wondering… how many of us could use a factory reset before the new year? Would we be more effective if we got rid of the old sim card, so to speak, before embarking on something new?
More importantly, how do we get there, spiritually speaking?
One of the shows I used to watch years ago was Friday Night Lights. Centered around a high school football team and their coach, there was a saying that became pretty well known: clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. Of course this was a wildly popular saying adopted by many, athletes and non-athletes alike.
Among its fans? Millennial pastors…I’ve heard this preached from the pulpit more than once. And I get it – it’s catchy. But we should be aware of a few things: 1) it’s not in the Bible, 2) it originated in a TV show that wasn’t exactly theologically based, and 3) I’m 100% repurposing it for our convo now.
The vantage point from which we look at circumstances and situations absolutely influences what we are able to see.
Vision matters. The vantage point from which we look at circumstances and situations absolutely influences what we are able to see. And it’s very possible – if not highly likely – that we don’t see or understand the way He does.
Jesus told the disciples in John 13:7 “You do not understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” Now since we just spent all this time celebrating Jesus’ birth, let’s not dishonor Him by ignoring the words He speaks to us now.
Earlier in John, when speaking to the woman at the well, Jesus tells her about a time when worshipers will worship in spirit and in truth. And the Samaritan woman says, “I know that Messiah is coming…when He comes, He will explain everything to us.” She totally missed that Jesus – Messiah – was the one talking to her.
By the way: This is such a rich and incredible account. Please go read it for yourself…like everyday for a week…I dare you. Chew on this passage. Ask questions. Watch and see what He will show you.
I know we’ve fixated on the birth of Jesus for a minute now, but indulge me as I change the topic to the moments shortly after His crucifixion on the road to Emmaus. Cleopas and his companion walked with Jesus, telling Him all about Himself the whole way, completely unaware of the Savior keeping step with them.
If we allow misperceptions of His kindness, hurts from the past, injustices and unforgiveness to fill the rooms of our hearts, then what space is left for the King to reside? Is He not worthy of more than just what’s left?
Amen!