2022, what a year!
Like many others have already said, I truly can't believe 2022 has already come to an end.
This year has brought the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows.
Without going into detail, a really big "thing" happened between two close friends and I. The situation on my end, was disobedient to God, and inconsiderate of my friends, and surrounding people. In the end, we all got hurt and our relationships were broken.
And yet...
God was still good.
A few months ago, I gained two really great Christian girlfriends, and we started reading through 1 Samuel in the Bible.
The book tells the story of King Saul and David.
To tell it briefly:
Saul is annointed King over Israel by God. Eventually Saul sins, and God's spirit leaves Saul, and Saul is tormented. David is now the LORD's annointed. David comes in to play soothing music for Saul. Saul finds favor in David, so he keeps him around.
Then, there is a giant warrior from Gath, named Goliath. Soldiers of Israel are terrified to fight against him, but David steps up in his faith and confidence in his Lord. David wins the battle, and is recruited to the army.
David continues to rely on God, and continues to win battles for Israel. Because of this, he gains popularity among the Israelites. King Saul becomes jealous and wants to kill David.
David flees from Israel to save his life from King Saul. David is confused and hurt.
During this time, David writes the book of Psalms.
And just the other day, Psalm 42:11 popped up on my phone.
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
I'll be honest, when I first read Psalm 42, all I could think of was my own sorrow and despair in my loss of friendship.
However, after reading some commentary, I learned that David wasn't mourning the loss of friends, or the loss of his relationship with King Saul. He was mourning because he was no longer in the dwelling place of God, Israel. He was mourning because he was no longer in the presence of God.
David is literally running for his life, and yet he still praises God.
David is confused and deeply hurt by everything that is happening, and yet he still seeks God.
This whole situation that I've experienced has caused a lot of pain for myself and others.
And yet, I will continue to seek and praise God.
Why?
Because I have no reason not to!
God, through this situation, and through so many others, has proven time and time again, that He is good and that He is faithful.
And so, to finally get to the point of the post...
My 2022 takeaway is:
to turn my eyes upon Jesus
- and to keep them there! Always!
As we step into the new year, I pray God's goodness and blessings upon you and yours. May we all draw nearer to Him, for He is good! Praise God, for He is good!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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