Wait

Some people choose one word for the new year. Instead of many resolutions to maintain, they focus on this one word and continue to revisit it throughout the year. Well, I don't like doing something just because other people are doing it, so I wasn't planning on having a 2018 word. However, God always seems to teach me thematically, and the repeat word I keep hearing is WAIT. My negative thought is ugh, waiting is not fun. I want to be moving and doing, but I also know that God's way is better than mine. Instead of dreading this word or disliking this time of waiting, I want to embrace it and enjoy it for what it is. So I have a word of the year!

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. 

Psalm 33:20-22

So I will trust the faithful and unchanging One.

I will learn to be patient.

I will delight in each day. 

I will seek joy. 

I will turn to Him and be honest when I am weak and tired of waiting.

I will let the tears fall when they do, like right now.

I will surrender my thoughts and plans to the One who is greater.

I will keep coming back to Him for encouragement and strength.

James talks about how God's ultimate goal for us is that we would be complete, not lacking anything. Too often I am narrowly focused on what I desire for myself right now. Lord, help me see things the way You do. Help me to trust You and only You.