Thankful

Reflecting on another year leads me to words that start with a “W” for which I am thankful for in 2012.  

Walk.  I am grateful I have been able to walk relatively free of pain again this year.  The hips replaced for a second time 12 years ago and ankles replaced four years ago are doing well.  I do not take for granted the freedom I have to get around. It’s a blessing.   Each day I am dependent on the Lord for His strength.  I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”   

The Word.  The Word of God renews my heart and mind for right thinking and right living.  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).  The Word guides me as a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).  The Word encourages my heart.  “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

I am so thankful for God’s word, His living word (Hebrews 4:12).  I need a daily intake to stay calibrated to live for Christ and not for self.  I need it for wisdom in decisions that are daily before me.  I need it as the resource to share the hope and love of Christ through the Gospel.

With Me. (God is with me.)  What a blessing to know and see that God remains faithful to be with me through another year.   When I am a lone, He is with me. When I am down, He is with me.  When it’s a good day, He is with me. When I can’t see Him at work, He is.  

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” (Psalm 73:23-24).  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).

Washed.  “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).  I am grateful for the forgiveness of my sins.  My sin reminds me of my need of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who for the joy set before Him gave himself to die on the cross.  I am grateful for His death and shed blood that enables my sins to be forgiven and gives me great hope.  “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:8-9).

Grateful to walk (pain free), the Word, that God is with me, and for the forgiveness of sins this year.