Buckle on Hope

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

He was with God in the beginning. 

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 

 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

(John 1:1-5 NIV)

In the beginning of 2022 is The Word - God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit - the Living Expression of God's heart.  Through Him all things were made, including time, space, our world, each of us, and the plans He has for our future - a future with hope and abundance of life.  The Word is already in the next year - he goes before us and meets us there.  

Some people make New Year's Resolutions, but others ask God for a "Word" of the year.  Around Christmas 2019 I asked God for a word for my life for 2020 and received a very unexpected one - "Buckle."  What did "buckle" mean??  The only in the Bible is when we are told to buckle the Belt of Truth around our waists. (Ephesians 6:14)  

But, looking back over the last two years, "buckle" might have been the best word.  It's like God was telling me, "Buckle up because the world is about to change."  Sometimes we buckle up to prepare for a bumpy or dangerous ride.  I believe God was telling me to trust his buckle - his safety harness - for my life and provision in this time. 

I do not yet have "A Word" for 2022.  I have several that I have considered but they all seem to come out of my mind, not out of the Holy Spirit's leading for my life.  So, I will wait and listen.  Perhaps "buckle" is still in place because the bumpy and dangerous times aren't over yet. But God's seatbelt is still in place - and I am safe and secure because my faithful Heavenly Father holds me in the palms of his hands. 

What is your Word for 2022?

Almighty and Most High God,

Thank you for sheltering us and providing hope for us.  Thank you that when we abide in you, no terror, arrow, plague or pestilence can overtake us.  Thank you for. your promise that when we call on you you will answer, be present to us, deliver us, and give us long life and salvation. Thank you for the ways in which you've provided your children with a "buckle" in the past two years.  Thank you for your provision and strength in times of great trial.  Help us to trust you and your ways no matter what our circumstances.  Help us to trust you to provide all the things your children need, including hope for our future.  When we struggle to see your hope, remind us that your Light shines trough the darkness for all humanity and no darkness can overcome it.  At the beginning of 2022, reveal to each of us the unique word you have for us and help us to trust you in this new year.  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. 

"In the beginning the Living Expression was already there. 

And the Living Expression was with God, yet fully God.

They were together—face-to-face, in the very beginning.

And through his creative inspiration this Living Expression made all things,

for nothing has existence apart from him!

A fountain of life was in him, for his life is light for all humanity.

And this Light never fails to shine through darkness—

Light that darkness could not overcome!"

(John 1:1-5 TPT)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, 

but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,

10 no harm will overtake you,no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;

    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,

    I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

(Psalm 91 NIV)