His

Every year, for the past several years, I've had a "word for the year." I haven't chosen lightly. I've prayed and listened and given it a lot of thought. However, to be perfectly honest, a few months into the year I've not only forgotten to write about my word, I've forgotten I even had a word. Ridiculous...I know.

So this year, I considered not bothering with a word at all. What would be the point if I was just going to lose it somewhere in the nether regions of my little mind? But there was this persistent little whisper I couldn't quite ignore. So I began to pray about a word.

"Humble" came to mind. I have felt this pull to "smallness" - to more of Him and much less of me.
"Balance" was another. I have struggled to find balance in my life for as long as I can remember.
"Selfless" certainly applied. There has been far too much of self - too much seeking after the approval of others.
"Small" was the one I nearly settled on. I desperately want to become smaller - especially in this place where I've tried for far to long to be other than small.

All similar and yet none quite said everything my heart was feeling. As the days passed, there was one constant refrain in my heart. It came with words and a melody. The words burrowed deeply into my heart and would not be silent.

Our church Christmas Program this year was titled "Love Came Down," based on the song of the same name. It was this song that kept playing over and over again in my heart. When we sang the words, "I am yours..." something in me broke. It was the same every single time.

They answered every longing of my heart. If I am His, truly His, then everything else falls into place. I will find the humility He modeled. I will live my days holding tightly to His hand - losing myself in Him. The balance I long for will come as I follow hard after Him. I will see with His eyes; I will listen without interrupting or nagging or complaining - because I know He is there to hear every silent word without judgement or condemnation. I can serve secretly and with a heart toward Him, because He sees in secret.

Most of all, whatever comes into my life in the coming days - I am His. 

I am forever His. We have all the time He has given me to do the necessary work in my heart and life.

My word for this new year - and for always: His.



"Love Came Down"

"If my heart is overwhelmed
And I cannot hear Your voice
I hold on to what is true
Though I cannot see

If the storms of life they come
And the road ahead gets steep
I will lift these hands in faith
I will believe

I'll remind myself
Of all that You've done
And the life I have
Because of Your son

[Chorus]
Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours
Lord I'm forever Yours
Mountains high or valley low
I sing out and remind my soul
I am Yours
I am forever Yours

When my heart is filled with hope
Every promise comes my way
When I feel Your hands of grace
Rest upon me

Staying desperate for You, God
Staying humble at Your feet
I will lift these hands in praise
I will believe

I'll remind myself
Of all that You've done
And the life I have
Because of Your son

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours
I am forever Yours
Mountains high or valley low
I sing out and remind my soul
I am Yours
I am forever Yours

I am Yours
I am Yours
All my days
Jesus, I am Yours"

Kari Jobe 

Blessings,

Linda