Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

Photo by Patricia McCarty

Welcome to a new year, a fresh season brimming with hope, possibilities, and unknown adventures.

Behold, behold, behold… this word has kept going over in my mind. For the past month, I have sensed Holy Spirit impress on me the truth of what you and I behold (look at), we become. The Bible warns us that we become like our idols – lifeless and powerless.

I don’t know about you, but I want to become like Jesus instead.

As we stand on the threshold of this new chapter, let’s anchor ourselves in the timeless wisdom found in Matthew 5:1-12, commonly known as the Beatitudes. These verses offer a profound invitation into a transformative journey with Jesus.

1. Embracing Spiritual Poverty: Jesus begins by affirming the blessedness of those who recognize their spiritual poverty. As we step into this new year, let’s acknowledge our utter dependence on God, embracing humility in our hearts.

2. Experiencing Grief: The Beatitudes remind us that mourning and grief are not in vain. They lead to comfort, offering divine comfort and hope amidst life’s trials.

3. Cultivating Gentleness: The call to be meek isn’t about weakness but about strength under control. This New Year, let’s seek to embody the gentleness of Christ in our interactions with others. Thankfully, this isn’t done by striving but by resting in relationship with Jesus, inviting His Holy Spirit to lead.

4. Longing for Righteousness: Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is a divine craving. In the coming days, I want to pursue righteousness with an insatiable hunger, knowing it leads to a profound satisfaction found only in God.

5. Extending Mercy: As recipients of God’s mercy, we’re called to extend the same to others. Let’s step into this New Year with hearts open to showing compassion and grace to those around us. I find this can only happen when I ask Jesus to show me how He sees people in my circles. Looking AT Jesus and then looking WITH Jesus is a game changer.

6. Pursuing Purity of Heart: A pure heart seeks after God’s kingdom wholeheartedly. This year, let’s pursue inner purity, inviting God to refine and cleanse our hearts.

7. Embracing Peace: Being peacemakers involves actively seeking reconciliation and restoration. May this year be marked by our efforts to bring God’s peace to the brokenness around us.

8. Facing Persecution: The Beatitudes remind us that persecution may accompany a life devoted to Christ. Let’s resolve to stand firm in faith, knowing that our reward is great in heaven.

In the midst of these attributes, there is a central figure: Jesus Christ Himself. The Beatitudes are a reflection of His character, inviting us into a deeper understanding of who He is and how we can model our lives after Him.

As we step into this new year, I want to continue to fix my gaze on Jesus, the embodiment of these Beatitudes. Let’s behold Him, reflect His character, and walk in His ways. May the Beatitudes be a roadmap guiding us toward a life lived in alignment with God’s kingdom values.

Let’s journey through this year with a heart set on beholding and reflecting the beautiful character of Jesus Christ. As we seek Him first, may we discover deeper blessings, abundant grace, and a transformative year ahead.

Here’s one of my absolute favourite songs to enjoy…

#BeholdingJesus #NewYearNewBlessings #EmbracingTheBeatitudes #FollowingChrist #KingdomValues #TransformativeJourney #DivineComfort #BlessedInChrist #PursuingRighteousness #SeekingPeace