January: The time of year I’m waking up in darkness, going to work in the dark and then driving home in the fading dusk. Motivation is at an all time low for me on weekdays during the winter months. It’s no wonder at this time of year we often say we have the ‘January Blues’. Therefore, one of the highlights of my weekends is escaping into nature and when I’m lucky enough, soaking up the glorious sunshine! There’s no better restorative feeling than standing in the sun, with the warmth glowing on my face, and the crisp, cool air filling my lungs! Without fail it brings me such a smile, lifts my mood and makes me feel truly alive!
I don’t know about you, but for me the sun brings so much joy during the dark, damp winter season. I recently came across a post on Instagram, and I fell in love with and felt a connection to the caption used:
“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.”
Almost instantly, I felt inspired to write a blog post centred around that phrase. Not only did it make me think of the enjoyment I have from exploring the outdoors and making the most of the winter sunshine, but also from a Christian perspective.
When we turn our attention towards the ‘Son’, looking and focusing on Jesus, the shadows of our struggles, our sins and our difficult circumstances will fall behind us. This enables us to then move forward and leave our past behind, allowing our burdens to be fully diminished.
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.”
Psalm 55:22
As I consider this new year, despite the remaining uncertainty and stress surrounding the continuing pandemic, I am in fact feeling much lighter. Although I still have my struggles and fears, rather than allowing myself to be consumed by them, I’m learning to focus more on the Son rather than my shadows. The burdens I have carried over recent years have weighed me down and prevented me from fully opening myself up to new possibilities. However, there comes a time where the past needs to be fully put behind you; to be left well alone, instead of being brought back to make you feel guilty or anxious or like a failure etc. or any other negative emotion or belief about yourself.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
Now is just such a time for me, where I made that decision. I have finally come to terms with the experiences, situations and events in my past, and rather than dwelling on what has been, I am now more focused on what could be. Once you finally allow yourself to leave your past behind, you can look ahead to what is to come – and God says its all good!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Hope. That’s the word that I keep coming back to. For the first time in a long while, I am filled with hope for the future. Not towards MY hopes and desires for my life, but the hope I have in Christ. I know God has my best intentions at the forefront of everything, that whatever is to occur next in my future is for good; whether I fully understand that at the time or will do in later years, who knows! But ultimately, I know God has everything mapped out perfectly for me, so I need not worry! Instead, I am feeling excited and ready for the next chapter in my life, and am filled with hopefulness and joy. Now, I know it’s not going to be a smooth process, and there’s still going to be many hiccups along the way, but I will tackle such moments with a changed mindset and a stronger faith. I don’t feel as scared of the unknown as I used to, but more ready to face the new challenges ahead, with a greater sense of peace and courage.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
So my challenge for you all in 2022: Choose to leave the past behind, and begin living a life filled with new possibilities!
God Bless! x
“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
STEADFAST 