Standing at the beginning of a new year, filled with questions about what this year will hold. I know I will spend some of the time looking back, wondering if I did all I could, wondering if I should have done something differently.
I know I will also spend time looking ahead, seeking for what the LORD has for me in this new time of life. Retirement is something I have not really done before. I did “retire” from an administrative role at St. Luke’s a while back, but somehow “retirement” and serving the LORD seem like an oxymoron.
I woke up recently with the opening verse of Psalm 27 going through my mind. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom should I be afraid?” [vs 1 HCSB]
As I read through the Psalm, I was drawn to verse 13. “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.” [HCSB]
I am certain that I have repeatedly seen the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Perhaps looking ahead to not only a new year but a new chapter, I should turn that verse into my prayer this year.
“LORD, show me your goodness this year. Show me, while I still have breath in this old body, how to acknowledge Your goodness and lead others to Your goodness. My life has changed, but You have not. My desire remains to serve You as long and as strong as I can. Grant me that promise, to see and share Your goodness in this land. I wait expectantly. Amen.”
