Heavenly Father,
As I take the next step and wonder what lies ahead, I’m thankful for Your hand that steadies me. You spoke this world into being, painted the evergreens, gave life to the chirping birds speaking to me from their perch of leafless branches. The wind-chimes join in their song and the weight of anxiety escapes its hold. You are ever before me. You are always near.
Where there was once the fear of what lies ahead— a dread of something bad around the corner—instead I see how you light my way. I don’t know what dark tunnels I will go through this year, but I know my hope is in You.
I will listen to Your voice and follow where You lead. I will not go back to fearful ways that keep me stuck. I will go forward when going forward is necessary— even when I’m afraid.
I may see signs cautioning my way ahead, tempting me to retreat. But I know the risk in facing fear is not greater than deliverance from their grip on me. And I choose deliverance. I choose freedom.
When I take the next step, I’ll discover the narrow bridge isn’t as narrow as I thought. I will come through to the other side stronger because You walk both beside and ahead of me.
There’s no discovery without a journey. No victory without a fight.
You show me the sparrows in the tree. It’s Your way of letting me know how much You love me. This bird is perched above the sound of the freeway. And Your message is not lost to me.
(click the image above). My fears race beside me and sometimes their anxious thoughts speed through my mind. But they are always quieted by your love that cares for me. You, who rise above all insecurity and fear. You enable me to rise above. And I do.
Holy Spirit, speak your wisdom into my life so I know when to move forward and when to pause. Help me rest in Your love and trust in Your guidance, no matter what tunnels I go through or what narrow bridges caution my way ahead.
You— who name each and every star, You made me who I am. You see into the depths of my soul and know all my sin. Still– You love me. You forgive me.
Your love sets me free. Free to soar like the birds and sing songs of joy in the morning.
In You, I am safe and secure. I am found. Forever loved. Always guided. And never alone.
I will hold fast to You every single day of this new year.
You are my strength and song.
You are my Savior. And I love You, Lord.
Amen.
I wanted to say how beautiful this post was. Then I read the other comments, and almost everyone is saying it’s beautiful! But honestly, that’s the first word that comes to mind upon reading it. Beautiful, it is! I love how you’ve incorporated the Truth of God’s Word throughout, reminding yourself of Who God is. This is such a powerful practice. I say, “Amen!”
Wow, Jana. Thank you for your kind words. They sure blessed me!
Valerie,
Your writing and your heart are beautiful my friend!
He has also been teaching me to trust Him and to not be afraid. It’s really what He wants for all of us; to experience and to truly know His perfect love that casts out all fear. To be matured in that love that casts out all fear. I’ve come a long way since we lost touch. Thank you for all of your prayers. That was a time in my life when I believe you may have been one of the only friends who was praying fo me. Hun, I just want you to know that He answered your prayers in a MASSIVE WAY!!! Thank You Jesus! Amen!
The world is scary, but our God is greater and He will bring us safely to the finish line. He is King and He is on His throne in heaven, yet He lives in us…how amazing that is!!! In Him we are complete and we have all we ever need.
This year may we dwell in the remaining 90% of the proverbial “Promised Land” that He has for each of us. I am never settling for 10% of Him ever again.
Love you…in Jesus,
Kimberly
Such a sweet blessing to see your comment Kimberly. And thank you so much for your kind words. It sounds like God is working in some big ways in both of us. He is so good to not let us stay living in a life of fear. He leads us out. I’m so thankful for that. And I’m so happy to hear that you are walking in freedom too. Such a great place to be. I thought of you over the holidays you and I’m so happy to hear from you. Love you always, Valerie
This is exactly how I feel, and exactly what I am praying for this year. I have terrible anxiety of driving alone with my small children, without my husband or older son in the car with me. I have spent the past year terrified of feeling the intense dread of an anxiety attack while on the road alone, that I have not driven alone all last year. I want this year to be the year that I break free, even if slowly.I no longer want to retreat, I no longer want to let fear have a grip on me. I am ready to be free, I am ready to take the next step, even if I am afraid, trusting in God, that He is always with me and I am never alone.
Amen Zoey! I know how it feels to let the fear of driving have a grip. It’s hard to face that fear sometimes, but God helped me gradually take steps to freedom. I was at the same point as you, where I felt determined to say yes to God no matter what. He will lead and guide you as you progress.
What a wonderful surprise to click over from Sue’s new linkup and find you here, Valerie. I took some time off and seeing you today brought such a big smile to my face, reminding me how much I miss you and our crew.
Love you much, my friend.
Thanks for this beautiful prayer.
Awe Marva! Such a joy to see your comment. I miss you too. Love you and Happy New Year!
What a beautiful, beautiful prayer, Valerie! I am so happy to meet you today! I, too, fight such a battle with fear. I LOVE what you said here, ” But I know the risk in facing fear is not greater than deliverance from their grip on me. And I choose deliverance. I choose freedom.” Amen, and amen! I choose deliverance, and I choose freedom right along with you! God, help us to walk boldly in faith through the days of this brand-new year!
Nice to meet you too Cheryl. Happy New Year!
Beautiful post to usher in the the New Year.
Thanks Tona!
Love this! I can definitely relate to the whole “not intending to write about a topic” but it just happens so quickly. Thanks for sharing!
Have a blessed 2019 Carmen!
This is both beautiful and powerful!! So glad the Lord led you to post as this was encouraging words for me and I’m sure it will be for many others!
Thank you April. I pray you have a wonderful 2019.
I’m praying this right along with you. God will be with us in 2019!
Amen, Dawn. I sure appreciate your friendship.
Beautiful New Year’s prayer Valerie … inspiring me to write my own :).
Love the pictures too! May the Lord bless you, your marriage and family in 2019! ?
Thank you Liz! May the Lord bless you and your family in 2019. Love you!