Nancy Taylor Tate
A verse I have sung and prayed into for decades is still fresh in my spirit today:
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4
As I reflect on the above words, they express what my posture has been toward the Lord for many years, and perhaps yours too. Specific times I have prayed into this verse come back to mind. Times I pressed through to the Lord, maybe when going through a situation, or facing a disappointment. Other times, as I was expressing my love and commitment to the Lord and my deep desire for His purposes to be fulfilled, as I worshipped in His presence, often with my autoharp. The sweetness of those times bring misty eyes as I think back.
A personal encounter with the Lord continues to be on my heart. When I looked back to see what I wrote last January, to my surprise, the above verse is what I ended with. This January, it is what I am beginning with.
I heard someone say recently that it’s not what we believe or intend that changes us. It’s what we do that shapes our lives, who we are, our walk with the Lord, and what we become.
This year, may our desires and intentions become actions, building blocks in His Kingdom purposes. May we develop the necessary disciplines! And may we yield, as the Lord draws us up into a deeper place of fellowship and participation with Him.
Significant is what God has done this last year, along with what He has been doing all through the years, beyond what some of us may have recognized. On this foundation, He will continue to work and move as we position ourselves toward Him and He brings to fruition His purposes in and through our lives.
As we enter into another year, I am so thankful for each day God has given us. Today is the day I have to seek the Lord. To make right choices. To mature and grow.
May we value each day, redeeming the time as we make wise choices. May our intentions become actions, moving us closer to the Lord.