Fresh Hope: Seeking in the New Year
Happy New Year! Did you blink reading 2024? I did. As always, my mind shifts to how many years have passed, where I’ve been, and where I am. I vividly remember the big Y2K hysteria, when we wondered if computers would crash or what catastrophes would occur. Neither materialized. Isn’t that a life lesson? Often the anticipated is worse than the actual experience. I used to tell my students that anticipating giving a speech is more frightening than standing before a class and giving it. Once they finished their presentations and took their seats, they agreed.
Why do we often anticipate the worst?
My friend April posted on Facebook that God gives. She used Psalm 29:11 (NIV) as an illustration: “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
His desire is to give and bless. He is not the author of fear (1 Timothy 1:7). Somehow we look at situations and conditions with anxious thoughts that affect and even frame our outlook rather than look at our Source of strength and hope.
This morning in my devotional time, the word “seek” came up in two different readings. When I read or hear something twice, I know it’s my cue to pay attention.
“Seek”: to attempt or desire to obtain, find, or achieve something or to ask for (something) from someone.
So I wrote, “what am I seeking as I anticipate 2024 and where am I looking? Click To Tweet- Not one day of 2023 was the same. Some were challenging. Others filled with laughter. I fractured my wrist but I was also healthy. I traveled. I stayed home. I was alone and with friends and family. In every one of those days, God gave me His faithful presence. In 2024, I will seek to be aware of God’s faithfulness because His character doesn’t change from year to year.
- In 2023 I had answers to prayer, and there are many that go unanswered. In 2024 I will seek to trust God in His work and timing.
- In 2023 I finished a manuscript and it is published. I have many writing ideas for 2024, but I will seek His wisdom and direction for what He wants me to write about. (Seek may be one of them.)
- In 2023 there appeared to be empty days- you know the routine ones, those that don’t compare to the social media overflow of excitement we scroll through. In 2024 can we seek to see God in every experience– whether mundane or celebratory; challenging, or easy; disappointing, or exuberant? In a month when we make goals and resolutions, perhaps this verse can frame our outlook in 2024: “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” (Psalm 105:4 NIV)
Rabbi Abraham Heshel wrote, “Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement… get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”
I say that amazement happens when we seek.
God’s goodness and faithfulness never fail. How have you been amazed?
Speaking of finding hope i 2024, my book Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living, and Change is released. If you are a widow looking for hope in your new path or you know a widow who might benefit from a perspective on life change, consider sharing the links to Amazon or Christianbook.com or gifting a book to her. The book isn’t designed to fix a loss but to live with hope and purpose in a woman’s timetable.
The Conversation
I’m so excited to get several copies of your new book ordered tomorrow Ms. Marilyn. Can you please “Launch Day” has arrived? I’m so proud of you ma’am. I remember meeting you first time at CCWC in Spartanburg in 2019, and learning of your journey into widowhood over lunch that Friday. How many prayers have we both prayed for each other, our families, and our writing ma’am? I so proud of, and excited for, you. Congratulations ma’am. I know a great many we be blessed by the glory you’ve brought to our Father.
JD, Yes, I recall sharing experiences and Jesus working in our lives. Thank you for your encouragement and prayer support. I am praying your friends in the Naoimi and Ruth group will find hope and grace as they read. Marilyn
Happy New Year! Congratulations on your new book! This is a special book that everyone needs to read.
Thank you Melissa. Please pray that the book is seen by those who need it. Marilyn
Wonderfully encouraging post to begin the new year, Marilyn. I love the idea of “seeking” and will add it to my list of words that become rudders to use in guiding my life in the coming year. I also appreciate the Rabbi’s approach to being amazed. Thanks again for sharing your gifts with us and may God lead us to those things He wants us to find in 2024.
That is a beautiful way to look at seeking- for God to lead us to what He wants us to find. Blessings to you as you write for Him. Marilyn
Marilyn, my hope is to yes, “seek to see God in every experience, whether mundane or celebratory.” Happy New Year, my friend!
I think the more we arr focused on seeking, we find God in the most routine of circumstances and they can become treasures. Happy New Year, Barbara.
“Seek” is a good word to ponder. “Seek and you shall find.” We can seek God in His Word and in prayer and find Him faithful. I love your new banner and website design!
Thank you Jeannie. “Seek” is intentional and active- that is the concept that stayed with me as I pondered new year plans. Find is what I come upon, but I need to seek it. Aa always, thank you for your encouragement and insightful comments. Marilyn
Thank you for this uplifting message of hope, Marilyn. As I read through your book, I realized so much of what I went through (and am still experiencing) you share in Hope for Widows. Although I wish I’d had your book three years ago, your messages till grant me hope. Thank you.
wonderful words of wisdom from you, Marilyn!
Happy New Year Marilyn. I pray your year and your new book are full of blessings. Thank you for this thoughtful message
Thank you for the encouragement, Marilyn and the nudge to seek evidence of God’s goodness and faithfulness., and then be amazed. Amazement certainly does happen when we seek, which leads to gratitude for all that God provides, which leads to contentment in him, which leads to greater faith. Amazement is indeed a good place to start!