It’s Going To Be Okay

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.    Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Looking back on 2023, I wouldn’t say that it was an easy year, by any means.  But to be fair, I don’t ever remember an easy year.  Maybe in childhood…?

But this morning, a friend’s shared post on Facebook has me looking back on 2023 with fresh eyes.  

Certainly, this has not been the easiest of years.  

I started the year with an absolutely terrible job. 😣  I finished the year with a job that I very much enjoy, but which doesn’t quite pay the bills… 🫤

I started the year in Florida. 🥰🌞 I’m finishing the year in Texas. 🥴🥶

I started 2023 living in a fifth wheel at an RV park, dreaming of someday living in a house without wheels. 🏡 And I’m finishing the year living in a fifth wheel at an RV park, dreaming of someday living in a house without wheels. 

Life does not always go as planned.  I’d say that life does not often go as planned - almost never, in fact.  At least, life does not go as WE plan it.

In truth, life goes EXACTLY as planned.  My big God has planned my life.  He has not been surprised or anxious about anything that has happened in the course of this year.  None of 2023’s happenings caught Him off guard at all.  And nothing that felt out of my control was out of His control.  Not for a moment.

And so, as 2023 is drawing to a close, I don’t want to spend these last few days in worry or anxiety.  I am so, so grateful for the blessings of this year.

I’m choosing not to enter 2024 with fear and trembling.  I’m not going to dread the days ahead, though, no doubt, many of those days will not go smoothly.  My goal for the coming new year is to walk with greater faith, trusting the Author of my story.

On Christmas Eve, my pastor brought up a quote from C.S. Lewis that I’d never heard before, and it has gotten me thinking…

“If Shakespeare and Hamlet could ever meet, it must be Shakespeare's doing. Hamlet could initiate nothing.”

The ramifications of this concept - Christmas, literally, was the moment the Playwright entered as a relatable character in the storyline - the God of the universe revealing Himself to frail humanity that could not fully comprehend Him in His Sovereign Deity - it blows my mind!  And it brings me great comfort.

I don’t have to know the details of 2024 in advance in order to be able to walk into the new year with confidence.  I know the Author of the story.  He’ll get it right.  I’m sure of it!

And so, this 28th day of December, 2023, I’m taking a few minutes to look back at some precious moments tucked in amongst stressful circumstances.  I’m remembering how truly blessed I am, and how wonderful it is to know a trustworthy Savior.

I encourage you to do the same.  Open up that picture roll on your device and allow yourself a few minutes to scroll.  Remember where those smiles came from, those really bad selfies, and the rainbows that came after the storms.  That same God who brought you through 2023 is ready to walk you into 2024.

It’s going to be okay.

…Just a thought…