Good-bye 2007

This year will be really hard to say good-bye to. I don’t normally get attached to years, per se, but this one holds so many memories, both great and agonizing and I will look back on 2007 and say that’s the year my life really started.

If I could sum it all up in one word it would be redemption. I had demons that followed me for years, past hurts and mistakes that on my own I could not shake. But the Lord sought after me tirelessly, loved on me, accepted me, and best of all redeemed me. I no longer walk around characterized by my wounds, nor do I identify myself with my faults. I am a new creature in Christ. I can proclaim with David that he lifted me out of the muddy pit and put a new song in my mouth. He took this empty shell of a woman and filled her with his peace and strength and love, with so much more on the way. This didn’t happen quickly, and there were times I wanted everything to stay the same because it was hurting too much. But faith without suffering does not exist, and even when life hit the skids I was reminded of Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

If I could sum up something that I’ve learned this year is that God is good. He is so good. Even thinking on his goodness it’s hard for me not to fall on my face and thank him for this. I know that I am nothing without Him. Life sucks sometimes and I can’t imagine not having a God to cling to when things are just rotten. I have never felt peace in so many storms than when I know the Lord, God above all gods is braving them with me. That the creator of all things swoops down to find me in my time of need, and love on me, provide for me, rescue me, and restore me.

I don’t normally use this blog as a platform for these kinds of posts, but today I simply want to proclaim what the Lord has done for me and praise him for his goodness. I never thought people could change, that you could try to act differently but at your core you are still the same. But now I know that is not true. I get to look in the mirror everyday and realize that I am changed. God changes people. God changed me. He saw something in me and through the tireless and continual prayers of others, and of his own pure and jealous love for me sought after me and redeemed me.

I’ve gotten to see God in many forms in my life - Jehovah Jireh, my Provider; Jehovah Machsi, my Refuge; Jehovah Rohi, my Shepherd; and now, Jehovah Gaal, my Redeemer. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for redeeming me. My heart and my life will be forever thankful.

May 2008 bless you as much as 2007. Have a safe and wonderful New Year!