“Lord, what is man that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of Him?” Psalms 144:4

Although you and I could say we shared in the excitement of the New Year, how quick it is for things to go unplanned.

With the devastation hitting our beloved Los Angeles, our hearts cannot help but give way along with the winds that broke down every home, business, and for some even life. Replacing the excitement that filled this New Year season, it has for many been interrupted with fear, grief, and hopelessness.

Sister, as you read this next part, would you join me in quieting your heart and allowing the Lord to calm every doubt or concern unto the Father?

There is one thing my mind has never been able to wrap itself around. Not only is the Lord “mindful” of us (Psalms 144:3), but He is wholly and unwaveringly attentive to us (Psalms 145:18). His eyes are fixed upon the righteous and is near to those who seek Him fervently.

When the Father orchestrated the perfect plan to reveal to the world the hope of Christ, He was wholeheartedly aware of our afflictions, infirmities, desires, and accomplishments. By Jesus coming down to dwell among mankind, He knew He came to a world filled with sorrow. Despite chaotic situations and the pressures of life, He did not succumb to sin, but experienced humanity to its fullest measure.

There is a wonderful mystery behind His decision to be a man who lived a below-average life. He dwelt among us, not to know us, because He knew us from the beginning, but for us to know Him. He became sin so that we could wear His righteousness.

Sister, He knows you in your grief. He knows you in your stumbling. He knows you in your helplessness. He knows you in your battle for clarity. He knows you so that you might know Him. How wonderful it is to behold such truth!

New Year’s can quickly become about resolutions, planning for vacations, or simply leaving the bad from last year behind us. But as we all have become quickly aware, life is full of interruptions that invite us into perspective. What does the Lord desire to define this season as? Long behold, this New Year season is defined as one of rebuilding, restoring, and refreshing. We are invited to refocus our gaze on the Father’s loving gift offered to us: new life in Christ from this side of heaven unto eternity.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, “The Lord thinks much of man, and in connection with redeeming love makes a great figure of him: this can be believed, but it cannot be explained.” (The Treasury of David: Volume 3, 1988)

Prayer,

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the reminder of Your wonderful gift of salvation through Your Son. I have nothing to give in return that could possibly measure up to Your goodness and mercy, but still, I give to You what I have as an offering. I know You fight for me and You will never stop fighting for me. Lord, show me who You are and would I go into the new year with a confident heart that knows You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.