Facing 2008

"But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head." -Psalm 3:3

Happy New Year! I know I haven't written in a while, but things got busy with the holidays. I was very blessed to have my dad come and visit me for a week here in Honduras. To celebrate the New Year, the Ranch community watched "Evan Almighty" on the soccer field, had a bonfire, and burned "Old Man Year" at midnight. It was a lot of fun.

I spent a lot of time thinking on New Year's Eve. It is tradition in almost every country around the world to celebrate the coming of the New Year. People anticipate what may be coming, expecting it to be a good year. People are thrilled to have survived the previous year, and look forward to what lies ahead. The truth is, for me, I anticipate 2008 to be a difficult year. I am anticipating a lot of tough changes in my life. That doesn't mean I am anxious about it. I simply am not anticipating a great year. However, as I read Scripture, I realize that what lies ahead is exactly what God has planned for me. God is my "shield." A shield in Scripture is a common symbol for God's protection. No matter what comes my way, I can rest in knowing that God will protect me from anything I cannot handle. When I am downcast, He will lift my head. Trusting these truths allow me to face 2008 with courage. Who knows, there may be wonderful surprises in store, too. Whatever comes, I know that God has a purpose and a plan in all of it.

May your 2008 be filled with love, joy, and the peace that surpasses understanding, which only comes from Him!