2022 exited with the death of my beloved aunt Mina. She died December 28, at 91 years old. 2023 came roaring in like
gangbusters with heartache and grief.
Our families created so many happy memories at uncle Frank and aunt Mina’s house. She will be greatly missed.
She loved God and His Word and was an encouragement to me in my walk with the
Lord. She was the first person I told of my
salvation.
Sunday, January 1, 2023, my friend Sandra’s mother died. Such a terrible loss for this family, who had suffered so many tragedies already during 2022.
Now, both she and my aunt are walking on streets of gold and praising the Lord together with our family members and others that have gone before them. Sad for us but not for them. They are rejoicing and wouldn’t trade places to come back here, in a New York minute.
There are many horrific events, besides the deaths of these two precious women that have already occured in just the first week of 2023.
Each New Year, we start out with a measure of hope and claim that this year will be the best year ever. I haven’t heard too many people making that claim yet for this year.
Sorrow and grief is a part of life, something we have to live with but trying to manage it on our own strength is almost impossible without a close relationship with God. I don’t know how people weather the storms of life without Him. He is our strength and refuge in times of trouble.
God is for us and with us at all times. He will never leave us or forsake us and we can trust Him. He gives is our hope. He gives us peace and the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Life is challenging but we can stay strong and seize every moment with trust in the Lord and realize He knows what is to come and He will carry us through. There is no limit as to what God can accomplish on our behalf. The more tragic our problems may be, the more likely we are to experience God in amazing ways, if we look for Him in every situation.
Maintaining an intimate cheek to cheek relationship with God will keep us focused and empower us to wait upon the Lord when our prayers are not answered and to trust Him in the dark. Faith, Hope and Love are the three words and traits we all need to take to heart for this new year and live our lives to the fullest loving others and doing good in the world. Planting seeds of joy and love each day and praying for revival can change the world as we know it.
Friends and family troubles, the news of world events and now even sports bring me to tears. My heart truly aches as I pray for my loved ones and for all that is happening in our world during this first week of 2023.
I know and believe, God is in control, and that He deeply cares for you and me,
but my soul still cries out in pain,
“Oh God, woe are we!"
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