Keeping Our Perspective
At the end of each year, I ask the Lord for a word for the coming year. As I waited on Him at the beginning of this year and have continued seeking Him in the past few months, I have sensed the Lord speaking strongly in my spirit the words "new horizons."
As I have pondered this, here are some thoughts that have come to mind.
First, new horizons give us eyes to see beyond the past and look beyond our own circumstances. They give us a picture vivid with hope and splendor. In the natural realm, a horizon is the line where the earth and the sky meet. In a similar way, a spiritual horizon is the place where our natural mind intersects with the mind of God.
Secondly, new horizons provide us with new beginnings, new ideas, and new encounters with the thoughts and ways of God.
Thirdly, new horizons bring us new thought patterns and new revelation — not always brand-new, “rocket” revelation but, rather, the kind of impartation where the Lord opens our eyes to receive new light through the lens of past prayers, previous experiences and the ways others have helped us by speaking into our lives.
In addition, a new horizon is a reflective surface, where we are able to reflect on what we have heard, consider what God has said and done, and see with our spiritual eyes what He has in mind for us for the coming year. Matthew 13:52 reminds us that we have been trained for our journey of life so that we become like the master of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old. We will do well to continue to move forward as the prophet Jeremiah did, who chose to rely on the ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16) while receiving fresh truths as well. This is wise advice for us.
Although the waves of the sea rage around us and threaten to toss us to and fro — and though the circumstances of life shake us up a bit — nevertheless, adversity and trial cannot prevail against what God has ordained for us in order to fulfill His plan and purpose for our lives! Although the billows of grief, difficulty, trial and disappointment seem to overwhelm us, they cannot cross over the barrier that God draws for us when He speaks, “Peace, be still.”
These reflections have had a tremendous impact on us personally as we have been processing and applying them in our own lives.
The season that we are in right now truly represents a new horizon for us. As many of you know, in June of 2015 Gerry suffered a stroke and then experienced another such episode in February of 2016. He is doing well, but there are definite challenges and changes that lie ahead for us as we look toward this new horizon of life. Yet God is faithful! And your love, support and friendship are constant reminders to us of His generous affection for us.
So, dear ones, don’t give up in the middle of your storm. To win the race, we must never look back. Jesus said, “Let us go over to the other side (Mark 4:35).” There are always two shores — the one we leave behind and the one we press on to reach. And while the storm always hits in the middle — between where we have been and where He is leading us — yet He promises us His perfect peace which passes all understanding. Hallelujah!
May God continue to pour out His blessings, His peace and His grace upon your journey. And may you be glad that, in your weakness and infirmities, the abundant, all-sufficient strength and power of Christ is there to rest upon you (2 Cor. 12:9b).