I always love starting a new year and examining what changes I could make in my life to
do better things for the Lord and better things for myself. This year I decided to read
more – that’s not necessarily life changing to the world but it’s something I’ve really let
slip by the last few years. As I searched for something more meaningful, I examined my
life, my time, my goals and several words or phrases that I could key in on. One word
jumped out at me. God has been so Faithful (a really good word). He is Trustworthy
(another good word). I need to Follow (yep). All of His wonderful Works in my life have
totally CONVINCED me that He is Worthy of all my heart, soul and mind. My 2024 word
is Convinced!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I
will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My Righteous Right
Hand.” Isaiah 41:10
I may be a bit of a skeptic by nature. I call it being cautious with myself, but there are
not many things that I am totally convinced of. I rarely ever believe the weather forecast
in Lubbock, Texas! I’ve seen it change too many times. And we’ve all been let down by
people we counted on to have our backs – bosses, teachers, friends, politicians and
even family sometimes. Life has caused me to walk with a little caution and guard my
heart so it won’t get hurt.
So, just maybe, as I felt the God of the universe walking beside me, I waited for it to
end, like a sunny day that turns into a summer storm. As He began to court me and
draw me near, I walked lightly and cautiously waiting for the ugly break-up. But you
know what? God didn’t leave. He kept showing up. My Father continues to court me in
such personal ways that I find it hard to believe. I don’t deserve a thing from Him and
He’s already given me His Son! Does the One who made the stars really have the
inclination to love me fully and unconditionally? The answer is YES! He has
CONVINCED me.
Where can I go from Your Spirit, Lord? I can never flee Your Presence!
You are in Heaven, You are here, You are everywhere – on the wings of the
dawn and in the depths of the sea; no matter where I am You are with me,
guiding me, holding me tightly in Your Hands. Psalm 139 (my translation)
‘You have convinced me, God! I am all in!’ As He whispers “Fear not for I am with you;”
I believe and am filled with the confidence of a favored child.
As trials and griefs have come and gone in my life, I have learned perseverance and
patience. But the greatest thing I have gained is constantly growing faith in a
trustworthy God. He hasn’t always moved the mountain or parted the sea when I
wanted Him to, but He has never failed to stand beside me and help me through to the
other side.
How great is the Love the Father has lavished on us that we should be
called His children. And that is what we are. 1 John 3:1
He has never left me with an empty place inside. He fills my voids with peace and
comfort but also gives me purpose in my pain. He brings the most interesting and wise
people into my life at just the right times and He brings others into my life that I can
minister to. Together we bring Him glory and His Spirit in us brings joy, where there
seemed to be no joy. He never grows old or tired or forgetful. He reminds me of His
love when I forget and He is never too busy for me. He speaks love, assurance and
gentle discipline to me. I know that I have been chosen. He has adopted me and can
never let me go. I am His, His special possession…and so are you.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of
God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
