Closing out yet another year last night and ushering in a new one left me, as well as countless others, reflecting on the year being left behind. It's amazing how much can happen in just a short 365 days. Some days feel like they'll take forever to finish and others fly by far too fast. And for me, 2016 was a mix of both of those sentiments.
If I had to put some words to it, I suppose I would sum up 2016 like this...
Challenged to know God's peace. Searching for an open door. Heartbreak. Frustration and confusion. Walking through the valley of uncertainty. Unexpected twists. Laying down fears. Redefining. Learning... a ton! Questioning decisions. Facing more fears. Retreating alone with God. Sensing something new. Feeling a bit crazy. Stepping out in faith. Learning to dream again. More questions and fears to be thrown at the feet of Jesus. Celebrating life. Living joyfully. Walking in perfect peace, even in the valleys of uncertainty.
And that seems a fitting close to 2016... perfect peace. It's where the year started for me when God and I were in a place of intense wrestling. "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You" (Isaiah 26:3). A beautiful promise of perfect peace when our trust, our minds, our thoughts are steadfast on our Creator. And perfect peace is what I've found.
Now, don't get me wrong, 2016 has been far from perfect... at least if your definition of perfect is that nothing goes wrong, everything and everyone is fine, and all your heart desires is yours to have. Yeah... my 2016 didn't look anything like that. But I have learned more about walking in God's perfect peace than I have ever known or experienced at any other time in my life. Perfect peace is not the pretty little bow with which I wrap up this year gone by but rather is the overriding mantra I have learned to live by and the banner I am intentionally carrying into 2017.
At no other time in my life have I experienced perfect peace than in those moments when my eyes are firmly fixed on my Savior, my trust completely placed in Him regardless of the outcome, and my worries and fears unnecessary because I know in whom I have trusted to lead me. Those times are the times of perfect peace - reminders that all is not what it may seem in my earthly perspective, reminders that my God is faithful and oh so good, and reminders that this life He has gifted me is worth celebrating!
If you would've told me in January 2016 that I would be here where I am now in January 2017, I probably would've laughed at you. I am no where near where I thought I would be at the start of the year, and for that, I am SO grateful! Yet another reminder that "His ways are higher than my ways, and His thoughts higher than my thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
So as I reflect on yet another year gone by and dive into this new year ahead, it's with a heart full of thankfulness that I step boldly and confidently in perfect peace, mind steadfast on my Savior, truly awed and blessed to be called His own.
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