The one word that guided me through 2014 was ABIDE. As I reflect on the past year, I see how I’ve been encouraged by those five letters.
I discovered this word is both an active and passive verb. In the active sense, it means to persist, persevere, keep on, or to continue. Abiding in something is not fleeting–it requires determination to press on and stay on course. Many times in the past year I stopped to evaluate the direction of my writing, and the Lord has encouraged me to press on with monthly GraceNotes and blog posts. I didn’t have as many posts in 2014, but when I wasn’t writing, I was adapting to the passive meaning to abide–“to stay, to rest, to pause or to wait.” Sometimes life was too full to force the words onto the screen and I just needed time and space to rest in the Lord.
When I faced uncertainty with health situations, the Lord whispered, “Abide.”
While editing my upcoming book, The Grace Impact, the word ABIDE anchored me and encouraged me to press on.
When worshipping the Lord, ABIDE helped me rest in God’s presence.
When waiting for financial situations to resolve or medical reports, ABIDE reminded me where to turn for peace.
The word anchored me in the Lord, reminding me of what is important.
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the sovereign Lord my refuge.” Psalm 73: 28
Throughout 2014 I chose to remain close to the Lord when faced with challenges. Even though I let some people and situations get to me, the Lord waited for me to return to abide in His presence.He drew me back. I desired to continue with the attitude of investing in my marriage and friendships. I found comfort in knowing I have a safe place when life seems out of control.
Abiding takes time, allowing you to refocus. I found it to be a sweet word that guided me in many ways.
Now I will pray about a word for 2015.
But I will continue to abide.
Deb tice
One of my all time favorite hymns is “Abide With Me”. Thank you for sharing
Fran
Nancy, what a beautiful post and picture of the peace I’ve seen in you this year…a direct result of your abiding!
Wonderful to read on this last night of the year. I’m looking forward to your word for 2015. : )
Fran
Nancy, what a beautiful post and picture of the peace I’ve seen in you this year…a direct result of your abiding!
Wonderful to read on this last night of the year. I’m looking forward to your word for 2015. : )
Nancy Kay Grace
Thanks, Fran! Yes, peace is a by-product of abiding.
Nancy Kay Grace
Thanks, Fran! Yes, peace is a by-product of abiding.
Nancy Kay Grace
Deb, Here are words of “Abide with Me:”
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
Nancy Kay Grace
Deb, Here are words of “Abide with Me:”
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.