2018

January 1, 2018

This is what GOD says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves, The God who summons horses and chariots and armies— they lie down and then can’t get up; they’re snuffed out like so many candles: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ —the coyotes and the buzzards— Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me.
Isaiah 43:19 MSG

Originally, I thought my “word” for the year would be redemption.  It was a word that resonated heavily with me during one of our pastor’s sermons in December.  Things being made new.  Pain being given purpose. But then, this morning, this “verse of the day” appeared in my Inbox.

“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out!”

Be alert.  Be present.

I think this encompasses exactly why I was captivated by the word “redemption”.  He is doing something new.  Brand new.  Water in the desert. Rivers through the sun-baked earth.  I need to be alert and present to this new thing that is erupting. 

As I’ve been sitting here mediating, musing over these words several other things emerge.  I believe that I am that wild animal.  At times, I am coyote.  Territorial.  Preferring the dark.  Paradoxical. Playful. Defensive.  Ready to attack.  Then I am buzzard.  Hovering over past regrets, hurts and failures, spending too much time with dead things.

And yet, coyote or buzzard, doesn’t matter to my God.  He is still going to quench my thirst, provide a road right through the ocean, waters in the desert place.  And he still chose me.  What grace is that?!

2018.  My “Be Alert. Be Present.” Year.  He is doing something brand new and while I may not yet see it… I will.