New Year – New Word

By Iris Nelson January 5, 2015 Devotion

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:6-8 ESV – emphasis mine)

For years I made resolutions for the new year, just to break them in a month or less. The resolutions ranged from weight loss to reading the Bible, from cover to cover, in one year. I found that resolutions are not for me. I am weak and lose the drive really quick.

Although I don’t make resolutions, I set goals for the coming year! Also, for the past 4 years I searched for a word(s) and Scripture passage that I will focus on. The One-Word for 2015 is ‘surrender’.

What does surrender mean? Simply to give up control! To surrender my will to God Who is in control. It sounds a little scary but it really is not if you think about it.

As Peter states in 1 Peter, I will humble myself to the mighty hand of God…casting all my anxieties on Him because He cares for me. That my sweet friends, is freeing to me.

Does it mean that I will give up my dream of becoming a full-time photographer. By no means! It means that I trust God that He will push me in the right direction and that He will work out the details. I have surrendered my business to Him and casting all my anxieties on Him.

Peter further writes:

“You adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”

You see, if we have dreams, the devil puts thoughts in our head that may sway us to abandon and don’t pursue your dreams. But instead of giving in, surrender the dream to God. Cast your anxieties on Him and He will exalt you in His time.

Lord of mercy and grace. You are in control of my life. Today and here I will surrender my dream to You. I will cast all my anxieties on You because I know that you care for me. I will not let the devil devour my dream. In the precious name of Jesus – Amen!