Guidance & Providence

I'm not sure what this year has looked like for you. Maybe it was a year of heartache, loss, frustration, and disappointment. Maybe it was a year of the highest highs, beauty, consistency, and memories that will last a lifetime. Or maybe it was a mixture of both. I know for me, it had its highs and lows, but definitely more highs than anything. But this year grew me like no other. There was so much change that came from this year. I actually remember, specifically saying about my job at the beginning of the year "I feel like I'm getting ready for a change. I don't think I'm supposed to stay here." Sure enough, I ended up with a new, more full time job in July and it has been the greatest blessing. This year has been marked by new beginnings that have turned into the greatest blessing. Lots of out with the old, in with the new, lots of change. Something that several years ago I would've hated, but wow, how sweet it all has been.

I have really learned the sweetness of trusting the Lord. When it comes to change. When it comes to His yeses and His no's. When it comes to the process. When it comes to all things, the level we are trusting the Lord shifts our attitude. Not just our attitude through it, but our attitude towards the outcome as well. Remaining in a posture that is turned to the Lord no matter what comes our way allows our souls to rest and reminds us Who is in control. We all want to trust people and for others to trust us. It's ingrained in us. While trusting in people does result in hurt and disappointment, trusting in God is completely different. He is always trustworthy and never disappoints. I remember times when I trusted more in myself and my way than the Lord's. My attitude through things and towards outcomes was bitter and frustrated. It wasn't going the way I wanted. But, when I realigned my focus on Him and reminded my soul Who was ultimately in control, there was supernatural peace. It doesn't mean the circumstances will turn out the way you wanted them too, but they will turn out the best way, His way.

This year may not have turned out the way you expected or even the way you wanted. But there is a greater plan that we can't see. I know for me, this year is ending with so many unexpected things. Great, incredible unexpected things, but I'm not sure I would've received these things or at least had such a peace about all the new beginnings if I didn't first trust the Lord. I'm pretty sure if I went through all the changes I did this year just a few years ago, I would be so stressed. Because I didn't anticipate it all and I didn't plan for it and I wasn't in control of any of it. But this year, there was a shift, and I felt it. I was actually ready for change. I remained open handed for what the Lord had for me, for what He was going to do this year. I wasn't sure what it'd look like, but the moment I loosened my grip, and released it into His hands, peace followed. Peace followed and my feet just trusted His guidance. I knew I was safest in His hands, it didn't matter where I landed, as long as He was in it. The amount of times I prayed this year "Lord, I really want this, but if You're not in it, take it away. I don't want it if You're not in it." Not always an easy prayer, but one that kept my perspective and heart in the right place. Fixed on Him. Trusting in Him, not in my own strength or will, but His. What a place to rest. I'm not sure what next year will hold, but I know I'll remain hopeful and remain in a state of trusting in Him. Both of which, do NOT come easily, I know. It requires us to remind our souls, daily. His way, not our own. He is good, trustworthy, and true. He wants His best for us. And sometimes that requires our wants dying, so our needs can be met. What a good God. Trust Him. Yes, in the hallway. In the process. In the baby steps, and the giant leaps of faith. Trust where He guides, because where He guides, I promise, He'll provide.